By Alexis Kezirian
In Dominican Republic, extensive cultural information is found in established buildings, most of which are concentrated in and around the cities of Santo Domingo and Amber Coast. The country's modern history dates to the discovery of the New World. Several museums, cathedrals and monuments offer tourists a chance to unravel Dominican Republic's past, present and future.
Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor
Built in the city of Santo Domingo around 1523, the Cathedral of Santa Maria is one of the oldest churches in the Western Hemisphere. It has witnessed much of Dominican Republic's modern history--for instance, the takeover of Santo Domingo by Sir Francis Drake in 1586, when he ransacked the church and made it his headquarters. Both Spanish and Gothic architecture have been integrated into the church.
Columbus Lighthouse Monument
The Columbus Lighthouse, located in Santo Domingo, is a 693-foot cultural monument and tourist attraction. It is most widely noted for the chapel at its center, which currently houses the tomb (and reputedly the remains) of Christopher Columbus. Numerous Spanish colonial documents from Dominican Republic's settlement days can also be found in its archives. With its cross-shaped structure, designed by English architect J.L. Gleave through an international architecture competition, the gargantuan Columbus Lighthouse Monument was constructed in the early 1990s on the eastern side of the Ozama River.
National Aquarium
Dominican Republic's National Aquarium is renowned as one of the best aquariums in the Caribbean. Inhabited by over 3,000 marine animals, the building is only a short drive east from Santo Domingo. Select exhibits allow visitors to walk through glass tunnels inside animals' habitats. The National Aquarium directs special attention toward a giant manatee named Tamaury, who was rescued off the coast of Barahona as a baby and now acts as the aquarium's mascot.
Amber Museum
Within the Victorian walls of the Amber Museum in Amber Coast is a plethora of semiprecious Dominican amber. Dominican Republic claims to have the most transparent amber in the world. Following the museum's opening in March of 1982, the beautiful and rare collection of amber fossils, jewelry and rocks has continued expanding rapidly, as has its fame internationally.
Brugal Rum Factory
The Brugal Rum Factory is a family-run business in Puerto Plata (in Amber Coast). Tours are offered regularly Monday through Friday. Visitors learn about the production of Brugal Rum and are offered the chance to witness the bottling process. Visitors also taste a sample at the end of their experience.
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About the Author:
Originally from Scottsdale, Ariz., Alexis Kezirian is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Her articles have appeared in "azTeen Magazine," among other publications.
