2024

SANTO CERRO

Shrines and pilgrimage sites to visit

The church, the national sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes, dates from the last century and is the object of numerous pilgrimages. It was at the foot of the Santo Cerro hill that the decisive battle for the conquest of the island took place. At the height of this battle, the outcome of which was uncertain, Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes appeared, thus giving victory to the Spaniards against the troops of Guarionex. You can see the place where the Virgin appeared and where Christopher Columbus planted the cross given to him by the Queen when he left Palos.

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 La Vega
2024

CATEDRAL DE LA INMACULADA CONCEPCIÓN

Churches cathedrals basilicas and chapels

The modern grey concrete building with its rounded forms looks more like a clumsy Lego assembly than a church. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (or La Vega, as the locals call it) stands out in the city's traditional setting. Its heaviness and its dull appearance make it an incongruous object. Nevertheless, here is a monument that will not go unnoticed and that you will observe during your passage in La Vega. It was built between 1977 and 1992.

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 La Vega
2024

CATEDRAL SANTIAGO APÓSTOL EL MAYOR

Churches cathedrals basilicas and chapels

Built in the 19th century (from 1868 to 1895) in a mixture of gothic and neoclassic styles, the Santiago Apostol El Mayor cathedral has a mahogany altar as well as very beautiful stained glass windows made by the Dominican artist Rincón Mora. And as the Dominicans are not afraid of contradiction, the tomb of the tyrant Ulises Heureaux happens to be next to those of many heroes of the Restoration War! One of the most imposing buildings in the country.

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 Santiago De Los Caballeros
2024

LA VIRGEN DE LA ALTAGRACIA

Religious buildings

The Virgen de la Altagracia is a small chapel, with an image of the Virgin inside painted by the sculptor Timo Pimentel. Pilgrims come here to light a candle, make a request or to give thanks. Others come to admire the landscape from one of the highest points on the Constanza route. For the latter, it is best to come at sunset(golden hour) when the view is absolutely radiant.

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 Constanza