Santo Domingo was one of the first settlements by Europeans in the Americas. As such, it has the widest variety, and oldest European style buildings in the Americas. Many of the most important sites in the surrounding region are of this kind. Though many other sites of intense interest exist, the ones of a European origin are of the greatest interest to many scholars and visitors.
When you come into Santo Domingo Las Americas Airport, you must car hire, as many of the most intriguing and historic sites in the region are only accessible by car.
Santo Domingo, the first colony
This city is a key location for all interested in Latin American culture and the colonization of the New World. Finding a mixture between local materials and western design ideals, many of the buildings in this city are some of the oldest of their type built by westerners in the Americas.
- Zona Colonial District - This district includes many of the oldest buildings in the city and is a large market now. Many local artisans sell their wares here, and it is an excellent haven to absorb the local culture of Santo Domingo. A short distance from the airport, a car hire will make this district easily accessible.
- Cathedral Santa Maria La Menor - This church is the oldest cathedral build in the Americas. It was built by the early Spanish colonizers, who brought the design ideas of the Cathedral with them when they sought to establish their control of the region. It is easily accessible by car from the airport and has gorgeous artwork in the interior
- Fortaleza Ozama - This fortress is the oldest one in the Americas and was used as an active fort until well into the seventeenth century. This region was fortified by the Spanish settlers and the guns of the fortress were used against the pirates who would attack the island on occasion and as a major show of force in the region.
The airport of Las Americas of Santo Domingo is conveniently located near the most popular tourist attractions in the city and the surrounding region. Of particular note, many of the exciting tourist attractions in the region cannot be well accessed without a hired car. This hired car is of particular use when you are trying to see as much of the island as possible, making an ideal vacation.
