All visits to Santiago include an obligatory stop at El Monumento, the city’s iconic white marble tower, circled on all sides by a multilevel garden and boasting panoramic views over the entire city. You can tour the interior of the 67-meter (220-foot) high monument, named after the heroes of the Restoration War (1863-1865) who died in the fight to regain the DR’s independence from Spain. Spread over five floors are displays of the DR’s major historical battles, as well as paintings that Spanish artist Vela Zanetti created during his exile after the Spanish Civil War. On the fifth floor is the ultimate reward: a grand panoramic view of the city of Santiago from a wraparound balcony, with the Cordillera Central mountain range in the distance.
A modern basketball facility hosts the tournaments (usually in the spring) that pit different sections of the city against each other in an all-out battle for the city championship. Regional and national championship games are played here during the summer. The local basketball team is called the “Metros”.
A gathering spot of creatives, Casa de Arte sits in the historic center of downtown Santiago, in a renovated Victorian home. The gallery’s rotating display shows Dominican artists’ works, and the venue often hosts live music or theater performances in the evening.
This all-white Catholic cathedral, designed in Gothic and neoclassical style, dates back to the 19th century. Tour the beautiful interior–which holds the remains of former Dominican leader Ulises Heureaux, as well as other notable personalities of the 19th and 20th centuries.
A beautiful series of permanent exhibits showcase Dominican history and culture, dating back to the Taino days. You’ll also find a visual arts room, displaying the winning art pieces from the annual Eduardo León Jimenes Art Contest, as well as a cigar-focused exhibit recounting the heritage of DR’s cigar industry.
Home to the school of fine arts, this cultural center regularly hosts fine arts performances. It is also home to one of the best folklore dance groups in the country. El Sol and Antonio Guzmán streets.
Santiago is the cigar capital of the world, with the largest production of smokes at the many factories. In February every year, the ProCigar Festival is held with organized visits to cigar factories and tobacco field tours to companies operations such as General Cigar, Davidoff, Matasa, La Aurora, Corporación Cigar Export, Tabacalera La Alianza, La Flor Dominicana and the Fuente Foundation. Cigars can be sampled and purchased. Premium cigar smoking is guaranteed
The Cibao Stadium is the home of the Aguilas Cibaeñas baseball club and hosts professional baseball games from mid-October through the end of January. Taking in a baseball game at the stadium is a must – the entertainment on the field is matched by the irrepressibly jubilant mood of the team’s loyal and loud fans. Av. Imbert.
Built in the early 19th century, this yellow-toned fortress has a beautiful, ornate exterior gate with two cannons facing the city. A key defense post during the War of Restoration, US Marines also used the fort as a base during the first US occupation of the DR (1916-1924).
Located directly across from the city’s landmark monument and surrounded by a lush garden, the Gran Teatro del Cibao boasts three levels with large marble and mahogany halls. Year round, the prestigious theater hosts numerous national and international plays, dance performances, operas and concerts.
Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración
The city’s iconic white marble tower, circled on all sides by a multilevel garden and boasting panoramic views over the city. You can tour its interior, named after the heroes of the Restoration War who died in the fight to regain the DR’s independence from Spain.
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