Dominican Republic Meeting & Incentive Planner 2011/2012 - (Page 33)

Left: Columbus Palace Right: Plaza de España w ith a population of more than two million people, the capital city of Santo Domingo sits at the mouth of the Ozama River where it empties into the Caribbean Sea. Due to its strategic location and protected harbor, this is the very birthplace of the Americas where Christopher Columbus and his family members established the first European city in the New World. Today, the bulk of international conferences in the city take place in and around the malecón—a broad esplanade skirting the sea. The major business hotels all front the long boulevard with panoramic views of the dark blue water, providing a welcome respite from typical big city congestion with open skies and light tropical tradewinds. Numerous large group venues around the city can accommodate groups up to 1,500 people, while an interesting array of historic settings and cultured hotels imbue any gala with colorful drama. Las Americas International Airport is the gateway into the capital city, located on the eastern outskirts about 30 minutes from the business district. LA ZONA COLONIAL Only 15 minutes from the conference hotels, the magisterial 16th century Colonial Zone is without a doubt the most powerful cultural destination in the Caribbean Basin. Situated behind 15-ft thick stone walls towering up from the Ozama River, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the pride of Dominican people. It was here where Columbus’ son Don Diego and the Spanish Admiralty oversaw the conquest of the Caribbean and Spanish Main for over a century. An elegant array of architectural landmarks and important artwork remains in place from the 1500s as a testament to the age of European expansion. So, a must for any group is a grand tour of the unforgettable structures lining the cobblestone streets. Start with the Alcázar de Colón (Columbus Palace) where Don Diego lived with his wife Doña María de Toledo. This huge residence (originally containing 55 rooms, of which 22 remain) was built in 1515 with an Andalusian palette of Moorish, Gothic and Isabelline styles. Inside, a priceless collection of period art and furnishings include both original pieces and donations from the University of Madrid. Directly in front of the palace, the Plaza de España is a wonderful venue for outdoor evening gatherings when the palace is lit up at night. Across the plaza, the Museum of Royal Houses is situated within two adjacent 16th-century palaces encompassing the city’s original Governor’s residence, the Hall of Justice and the Viceroy’s throne. This is worth a visit just to see the comprehensive exhibits of military hardware ranging from medieval crossbows to lady daggers. From there, a breezy walk up Calle de las Damas (Street of the Ladies) leads to dramatic attractions highlighted by the Santa María de la Encarnación Cathedral located in Parque Colón (Columbus Park). Completed in 1540, the cathedral is the oldest church in the Western Hemisphere, where priests still use the original 464-year-old keys to lock the original mahogany doors. Inside, stop to admire the stained glass by Dominican artist Rincón Mora. Also be sure to walk up into the Torre de Homenaje (Tower of Homage) with its crenellated roof, where guards once stood sentinel over the harbor to warn of enemy barquentines. Another good way to see the city, the Colonial Chu Chu is a new train that makes a 45-minute tour every hour in the historic city, with audio guides in English, Spanish, Italian, French and Russian. The train accommodates groups of 64. COLUMBUS LIGHTHOUSE The most venerable site in Dominican Republic lies just across the Ozama River. Opened in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival, the Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse) is a massive $100 million structure spanning over three city blocks. Here, the First Admiral of the West Indies purportedly rests in a dignified Baroque mausoleum guarded by ceremonial militia. Dominican Republic Meeting & Incentive Planner 33 

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dominican Republic Meeting & Incentive Planner 2011/2012

Planning Points
Meeting Hotels
Punta Cana & Bavaro
La Romana, Bayahibe & More
Cruise
Puerto Plata
Samana
Santo Domingo
Santiago & Central Region
Food & Music
DMC List
Tourism Offices

Dominican Republic Meeting & Incentive Planner 2011/2012

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