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Founded in 1504 as a mining town and demolished by an
earthquake in 1562, SANTIAGO has been associated with
tobacco since it was introduced for export to the French in
1697, and is also the home of merengue périco ripao -
the classic Dominican music using accordion, tambora and
güira.
Today, there's a good club scene based mostly around this
indigenous music, so you won't lack for fun at nights.
During the day, downtown Santiago supplies enough
diversions to merit a full day or two of ambling about.
The
City of Santiago
Most places of interest are downtown and within
walking distance of one another. In fact, many visitors
spend their whole stay in the area bounded by the main city
park and the Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración
(Mon-Sat 9am-noon & 2-5pm; free), Santiago's distinctive
symbol and most impressive sight.
Built by Trujillo in honor of himself, it was quickly
rededicated upon his death to the War of Independence with
Spain. It's possible to climb the stairs up the monument - a
statue of Victory personified as a woman tops its
seventy-meter pillar - to take in the breathtaking panorama
of Santiago and the surrounding valley and mountains.
Calle del Sol,
which borders the monument to the west, is the city's major
shopping district and the heart of downtown activity, lined
with department stores, banks and sidewalk stalls selling
clothing, household wares and fast food. Follow Del Sol
north to 30 de Marzo and the Parque Duarte, a bit
overcrowded but covered by a tree canopy and lined with
horse-and-carriage drivers. At the park's southern end
stands the Catedral Santiago (1895), a concrete
building with intricate carvings on its mahogany portals.
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Just across the street the excellent Museo del Tabaco,
on 16 de Agosto and 30 de Marzo (Tues-Fri 9am-noon & 2-5pm,
Sat 9am-noon; free), housed in a old Victorian tobacco
warehouse, presents a history of the crop's use dating back
to Taíno times.
Three blocks south of the park La Habanera Tabaclera
, 16 de Agosto and San Luis (Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm; free),
is the oldest working Dominican cigar factory and one of the
few in the city that offers tours, though free samples are
not included.
In the opposite direction, a few blocks northwest of the
park, sits the fascinating Museo Folklórico de Tomas
Morel, Restauración 174 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-1.30pm &
3.30-5.30pm; free). Inside is a remarkable collection of
papier-mâché Carnival masks, alongside various Taíno
artifacts and early Spanish household items. The masks,
though, are the main focus, with an array of spectacularly
baroque and evil-looking demons.
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Dominican
Republic
travel guide
Dominican Republic
Where to go
 When
to go
Getting there
Entry requirements
Money and costs
Getting around
 Food
and drink
 Communications
Crime and safety
 Brief
history
Best of DR
Info and maps
 Diving,
surfing
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holidays
Explore
Dominican Republic
Barahona
Barahona
The City
East of Barahona
San
Cristóbal
San José de Ocóa
West of Barahona
Bayahibe
Bayahibe
Travel info
Boca Chica
Boca de Yuma
Cabarete
Cabarete
Windsurfing
Restaurants
Sports outfitters
Cibao
Cibao
Explore Cibao
Cordillera Central
Explore Cordillera Central
Jarabocoa
Jarabocoa
Arrival & accommodation
Restaurants,
tour operators
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La Vega
La Vega
Pico Duarte, Cordillera
Central's Nat'l Parks
San José de las Matas
Santiago
Arrival and getting around
Places to eat
Nightlife
El Castillo and La Isabela
El Limón
Hato Mayor and
Sabana de la Mar
Juan
Dolio
La Romana and
Casa de Campo
Practicalities
Las Galeras
Eating options
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