Travel Guide Bani

The town of Baní, also known as "the capital of the south", is the largest city in the province of Peravia. It lies 65 km from Santo Domingo and 5 km from the southern coast of the Caribbean Sea. History buffs will be delighted to discover Bani's rich past. Its name, meaning "abundance of water", is said to have been given in honor of the cacique taino Bani (indigenous chief), deputy of Caonabo. The town was founded in 1764, but by 1805 had been reduced to rubble by General Dessalines during the Haitian invasion. After this tragedy, the town was partially rebuilt in 1810 and the town hall was erected for the first time.This prosperous town owes its wealth to agricultural resources such as sugar cane and bananas, as well as a rare and prized variety of red mango. Salt is also produced in abundance, and the salt marshes give the landscape a somewhat desolate appearance.Although the town doesn't offer many tourist attractions, you can admire the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de Regla, which bears witness to the faith of the local population. You can also stop off at the Museo de la Iglesia de Oviedo, which offers an interesting insight into the city's history, including striking reproductions of scenes from the life of Maximo Gómez. As the city is not very touristy, infrastructure and accommodation are not always up to the standards of better-known destinations.