Santo Domingo

== Immerse yourself in the culture of the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere. ==

A city of New World "firsts" - first cathedral, paved street, hospital, palace, tavern and many more.

* Includes pictures of all major sites from the 15th through 20th century
* Use the brief history of each site to fine tune your visit to suit your special interests
* Experience the Colonial Zone without needing to hire a guide
* Easy reading
* Fantastic photos of all major historical attractions including churches, museums, streets, ruins, and more
* Enough historical insight to help you understand why the site is worth your time to visit
* Opening hours, cost of admission where applicable, and directions for all sites
* Photos and descriptions of sites along the city's beautiful seaside boulevard, The Malecon, and other sites beyond the Colonial Zone
* Descriptions of the city's annual Carnaval and Merengue Festival
* Details to help with when to go, what to pack and how to get to and around in the city
* A flexible self-guided tour that includes all major "must-sees" in the Colonial Zone
* The role of Admiral Christopher Columbus and his family in founding and establishing the colony
* Little known facts about the discovery of the vault containing the remains of the Great Admiral
* Description of many of the key 15th century figures and their role in the colony's expansion
* The emergence of the Dominican Republic from a turbulent history of occupation by other countries
* The era of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, the Dominican Republic's dictator president, and how he dominated the pysche of all Dominicans
* The role of key Dominican figures in fighting for the freedom of fellow countrymen from all occupying forces including Trujillo