Fortifications and ramparts to visit Santo Domingo

It was one of the accesses to the city by land, built in 1543 in the style of a medieval fortified gate. In this place, Francisco del Rosario Sanchez, Ramon Matias Mella, and a group of patriots began the struggle for independence from Haiti on February 27, 1844. On the west side of the gate, the remains of the two small bastions that completed it are still visible. It owes its name to a small chapel built nearby in 1842, where the inhabitants went to implore for mercy.

Dating from the 17th century, originally called the bastion of San Genaro, the Puerta del Conde is part of the fortified wall that surrounded the city. It is one of the greatest symbols of the city. The gate is named after the Count of Peñalba, governor of the island, who defended the city against the English in 1655. Its two solid square towers are connected by a stone arch. It was the site of the first acts of independence of the Republic. Today the Puerta del Conde is one of the main entrances to the Independence Park.

Located at the very end of Calle Mercedes, this most important strategic place was a link in the great chain of garrisons and military forts built for defensive purposes in the course of the 17th century by the Italian military engineer J. B. Ruggero. The Fort of Conception is located on the edge of the colonial zone, next to the Independence Park. It is made entirely of stone and was used as a tramway station in the 19th century. A monument that you will not miss to discover during your visit to Santo Domingo.

Built between 1540 and 1555, it is the only decorated gate in the city. It opened the access to the port. This is where goods and travellers entered the walled city. The gate is also called Puerta de la Mar. At the back stands the Fort of San Diego, whose two-level structure protruded into the waters of the Ozama River and which has undergone several destructions and reconstructions. The Calle de las Damas, which overlooks the San Diego gate, offers a beautiful view of the river and the Alcázar.