Half Day Excursion Colonial Zone, Faro to Colón, 3 Eyes Park

We will begin our journey in Parque Colón, which is the epicenter of the Colonial City and serves as a central recreation space. Here, you will find a rich concentration of notable monuments, such as the Catedral Primada de América, the first City Hall of Santo Domingo, the picturesque Calle El Conde, famous restaurants, shops, and many other attractions. In the heart of this park stands a statue of Christopher Columbus, erected in 1887 by the talented French sculptor Ernesto Gilbert.

This cathedral and minor basilica, located in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is consecrated to Saint Mary of the Incarnation, also known as the Annunciation. Officially, it is named after Holy Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral Church of Our Lady Saint Mary of the Incarnation or Annunciation. It is located at the intersection of Arzobispo Meriño and Isabela La Católica streets, near Parque Colón, with its main entrance facing west, facing Arzobispo Meriño street, near the corner with Arzobispo Nouel.

This cathedral of Santo Domingo holds the title of being the oldest in America, since its construction began in 1512 by order of Pope Julius II. It also serves as the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo and stands as an important historical testimony in the region.

The National Pantheon is a place dedicated to being a mausoleum where the mortal remains of prominent figures in the history of the Dominican Republic are preserved. This enclosure has around 36 empty spaces intended to house the remains of future national heroes. In addition, it includes a space without a specific plaque in honor of the unknown soldier.

In the National Pantheon, there is a permanent honor guard, composed of members of the presidential guard dressed in gala, who remain motionless in their positions. One of them takes a ceremonial tour along the central aisle that goes from the main entrance to just in front of the main altar.

In this place, along with the Dominican flag, the flags of the Air Force, Navy and Army of the Dominican Republic are displayed, as a symbol of respect and recognition to the country's armed forces.

The Museum of the Royal Houses, previously known as the Royal Palaces at the time of the Captaincy General and the province, is based in two palaces dating from the 16th century. It was built by order of the Crown of Castile, under the reign of Ferdinand II of Aragon, on October 5, 1511, with the purpose of housing the main government offices of the time.

This complex was called the "Royal Houses Building" because it housed the Royal Court, which was the first court established in the New World. In addition, it served as the residence of the governors and captain generals of the time, known as the Captaincy General. Notable figures such as Bartholomew Columbus and Louis Ferrand, among others, resided in this building at different times.

The halls of the Royal Court were the scene of important meetings and festivities that included the participation of the most prominent figures in society of the time.

The Alcázar of Columbus was erected between 1511 and 1514, taking as inspiration the design of a previously existing castle in Mancera de Abajo, Salamanca (Spain), of which there are still vestiges in ruins.

Unfortunately, the identity of the architect responsible for the construction of this fortified palace is not known. Its architectural style is mainly Mudejar Gothic, although it also presents some Renaissance characteristics, especially in its arcades, and elements of the Elizabethan style that can be seen in the tassels that decorate the building.

Masonry materials made from coral rocks were used for its construction. Initially, the palace had 55 rooms, but currently only 22 of them remain.

This monument is shaped like a cross, which symbolizes the Christianization of the Americas, and has approximate dimensions of 800 meters long and 36.5 meters high. It has been stated that the remains of Admiral Christopher Columbus are located in this place, although genetic analyzes have shown that this statement is incorrect, since Columbus's remains are found in the Cathedral of Seville.

When the beacon is in operation, it emits a cross-shaped light into the night sky. This light is visible from a distance of approximately 64 kilometers, but its use leads to problems in the electricity supply in nearby neighborhoods, so it is only turned on on special occasions.

This national park is home to one of the city's most well-kept natural secrets, including four distinct lakes:

1. Sulfur Lake: This is the first lake you see when entering the park. Its name comes from the presence of a whitish substance in its bed.

2. La Nevera: This is the third lake found on the tour, and its name is due to the low temperatures it experiences, since it rarely receives direct sunlight.

3. The Ladies Lake: It is the second lake that is observed and owes its name to the fact that it was previously used as a bathing area, being reserved mainly for women due to its discreet location and its shallow depth, which reaches 2.5 meters at its deepest point.

4. Los Zaramagullones: This is the fourth lake in the park and its name comes from a species of amphibian ducks native to the area. This lake is surrounded by natural vegetation that frames it.