Things to see and do Santiago De Los Caballeros

The vocation of the centre, which is one of the most modern in the Caribbean, is to raise awareness of Dominican art and culture. In addition to the temporary exhibitions, three permanent exhibitions allow you to immerse yourself in the Dominican soul. One should also not forget the gardens and the reproduction of the authentic Jimenez cigar factory...

The tours are very didactic and fun, and all the modern techniques facilitate the approaches. "Signs of Identity" proposes an anthropology exhibition more or less equivalent to that of the Dominican Museum of Man in Santo Domingo, with the presence of testimonies of all the cultures that have forged the Dominican culture; one will see in particular a large collection of objects of the Taíno culture, beautiful pieces recovered from the Spanish galleons that ran aground in Dominican waters, an approach to African origins, religious syncretism and daily life in the 19th century. "Genesis and Trajectory" (second level) is an exhibition of contemporary plastic arts: some of the great masters of Dominican painting are present, including Jaime Colson. The Jiménez family is honored in the exhibition "Footprint and Memory" (second level of the building replica of La Aurora) which traces the path of this real tobacco dynasty from 1903 to 2003 through documents and photos, from the purchase of the first land to the internationalization of its products.

The beating heart of the city, it is the meeting place of the Santiagueros, the departure point of cabs and horse-drawn carriages, the place of work of the small shoeshine boys and the lottery ticket sellers. One can spend hours resting in the shade of the large trees while observing the hustle and bustle of the area. In the center, the traditional Victorian shaded gazebo and all around nice wooden houses. An emblematic park that will be a must-see, just like the central park and Calle Benito Monción.

One of Christopher Columbus' first companions on his voyages to the New World was called Don Diego Bermúdez, who is said to have brought sugar cane, the basic ingredient in rum processing. Centuries later, the house still bears his name, and produces one of the three biggest brands of rum in the country. It is possible to visit the distillery and, of course, to leave with the many products in the shop. Interesting.

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.

The Palacio Consistorial was built in the 19th century to house the town hall. It is located near the Parque Nacional, a place where the local population lives and passes through. The Palace is today the cultural center of the city with a museum (free) which recalls the history of Santiago through photographs dating from the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Unfortunately it is not very well furnished, nevertheless you will observe an exhibition on the costumes of the famous carnival. From the floor, beautiful sight on a part of the city.

Symbol of the city of Santiago, planted in the center of a flowery esplanade, on a hill at the periphery of the city center, it was erected in the 1940s as a monument to the Peace of Trujillo. It is a 67 m high white marble structure topped by a column. The interior has four levels that house a series of small museums without real interest. From its top (which can be reached on foot or by elevator), one discovers a superb view of Santiago and the Cibao valley.

Founded by Eduardo León, the factory has existed since 1903. The industrial group, one of the most important in the country, produces today cigars under the brands La Aurora and León Jimenez, cigarettes for national consumption, and beers. Here you will visit a reconstruction of the workshops, the company having moved to the suburbs of Santiago. The visit is interesting and ends without surprise in the shop where the prices are attractive.

Also known as Eugenio de Jesús Marcano Park, the Botanical Garden of Santiago de los Caballeros is a space entirely dedicated to the preservation of the variety of natural species of the region. It is a real theme park where the most emblematic botanical species of the Cibao Valley are presented in different sections that can be crossed on foot or by bicycle (a bicycle path goes all around the garden). The locals like to come here for a picnic.