Alcázar de Colón/Diego Columbus House

Location:
Plaza de España, Colonial Zone
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Historical Building

By Christopher Minster

Christopher Columbus’ son Diego became one of the earliest governors of the Indies in 1509, and he ordered the construction of a family home and governor’s mansion between 1510 and 1512. The building is an impressive construction of coralline blocks that once housed some fifty rooms and a number of gardens and courtyards, although what remains today is about half the size it once was.

During the early Spanish colonial period, the mansion occupied a very important place in history. It was from here that many expeditions of conquest and exploration were planned. In 1586 the palace was sacked by Sir Francis Drake and his forces. As the influence of Santo Domingo waned, the house fell into ruins, and by the mid eighteenth century was abandoned and in danger of rotting away. Fortunately, it was rescued and extensively restored between 1955 and 1957.  

The home is filled with colonial art and artifacts and is one of the can’t-miss stop on any Santo Domingo tour. Check out the portraits of Ferdianand and Isabela in the elegant Salón de Las Doncellas, and be sure to see the old musical instruments and armor. There are good English-speaking guides available.

Getting There
Easily located right in the heart of the Colonial District and on the river.

Price Description: $20 Dominican Pesos, less than one dollar.

Relative price: Very cheap

Open Hours from:9 am

Open Hours to:5 pm daily

Contact Information:
Phone: 809-686-8657/8658
URL: rsta.pucmm.edu.do/ciudad/alcazar/Website/esp/historia.htm