Catedral Primada de América (Cathedral)
The first cathedral in the New World, construction began in 1514 and was completed in 1540. The building combines a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic and Plateresque.
The interior of the cathedral features a nave and two side aisles, ribbed vaults and 12 side chapels. Artwork includes altarpieces, paintings and sculpture.
Calle Arzobispo Meriño, Parque Colón
Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily
Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
This small sixteenth century Gothic church was originally a private chapel for prominent families. Constructed by Francisco de Avila, it features a brick façade, a distinctive triple-arched belfry and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. The building was restored in 1884.
Calle de las Damas, corner of Las Mercedes
Hours: 8 am – 4 pm
El Convento de los Dominicos
Construction of this Dominican Order monastery began in 1510 and was completed twenty years later. In 1538, it became the first university in the New World, known as Universidad de Santo Tomás de Aquino.
The building’s distinctive Baroque facade features ceramic accents and a small rose window. Inside, the Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Rosario is one of only three chapels in the world whose vault is decorated with the signs of the zodiac.
Padre Bellini, corner of Av. Duarte
Tuesday to Sunday 9 am – 6 pm
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes
Dedicated to the country’s patron saint, construction of the church began in 1527 and was completed in 1555. The structure was damaged soon afterwards when the city was attacked by Sir Francis Drake in 1586. It later suffered damage from earthquakes and hurricanes, but was repaired and restored.
The church’s Gothic interior features ribbed vaults, side chapels and a cloister in original condition. There is also an ornate Baroque altarpiece. The highlight of the church is its wood pulpit, which features a carved serpent demon.
Corner Calle Las Mercedes, between José Reyes and Sánchez
Hours: Monday to Friday 4:30 – 6:30 pm; Saturday 5 – 7 pm; Sunday 8 am – 8:30 pm