Puente de la Concordia – Santo Domingo : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to the Puente de la Concordia – Santo Domingo travel guide! As one of the most historical sites of Santo Domingo, the bridge has been present since 1534 when it was first built as a strategic point in the city. Join us in exploring this amazing landmark, learn interesting facts about its history, and let us guide you through a journey full of stories around the Puente de Concordia. You will learn about its current and historical relevance for Santo Domingo’s citizens and tourists. Plus, delve into the area and get our best recommendations for places to visit around that area. So let’s get started!

Interesting Facts About Puente de la Concordia – Santo Domingo

1. It is the oldest surviving bridge in the Americas, having stood since 1535.

2. It was constructed by Dominican architect Don Juan de Ampudia, who designed the Gothic and Moorish-style bridge with five beautiful pointed arches.

3. Initially made of mud, it was later reconstructed in 1739 in its current stone form.

4. Local legend claims the bridge is haunted by a ghostly figure of an old man dressed in white.

5. The bridge is considered to be a symbol of the city’s rich history, housing memorial statues of historic Dominican figures such as Juan Pablo Duarte and Matias Ramon Mendez.

6. The Puente de la Concordia is often used for dramatic and romantic scenes in television and film.

7. It hosted its first annual bridge jumping competition in 2010.

8. It is part of a larger architectural complex, the UNESCO-listed Colonial City of Santo Domingo.

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History & Information About Puente de la Concordia – Santo Domingo

Puente de la Concordia (Bridge of Concord) is a historic bridge in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. It is located in the Parque Colón, close to the Puerto Viejo area of the city. Commissioned by the then-President Juan Bosch in 1970, it was inaugurated in 1973 and marks a period of political stability in Dominican history.

The Puente de la Concordia was the brainchild of the president at that time, Juan Bosch, who wanted to build a bridge that symbolized the unity of Dominican people, spanning the Ozama River. The bridge was constructed by Naval Construction Co. Inc. of the United States, with the goal of linking areas of the city such as the colonial zone with modern commercial areas. It was built in the shape of a half-circle, and many people refer to it as El Puente de la Arco Iris (The Rainbow Bridge).

The bridge is constructed of reinforced concrete and has five arches. At each end of the structure, there are steps leading to the adjacent banks of the river. On top of each arch are decorative bronze statues, representing the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic.

The Puente de la Concordia has become a national symbol of Dominican unity and is a popular tourist attraction. Over the years, it has been the site of many political and social protests, including the mass protest of 1998 against then-President Leonel Fernandez.

At night, the bridge is lit by beautiful lights, producing a spellbinding view that is enjoyed by both tourists and locals alike. It serves as an important link between the old and the new parts of the city and is a reminder of the long history of Dominican Republic.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Puente de la Concordia – Santo Domingo

1. Explore the Old Town: Take a guided tour through the oldest part of town, with its cobblestone streets and colonial-era architecture. Visit the iconic Puente de la Concordia bridge, the capital city’s oldest bridge and a protected landmark. Admire the stunning view of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding park from the center of the bridge.

2. See the Cathedral of Santa María La Menor: Explore the second oldest cathedral in the Americas, originally built in 1514. Marvel at the gothic-style architecture and the golden altar inside.

3. Shop at the Mercado Modelo: The bustling downtown marketplace has been around since the mid-19th century. Enjoy bargain shopping for books, clothes, jewelry, and more.

4. Check out the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia: Situated atop a hill overlooking the city, the cathedral is a stunning sight. Inside, catch an enchanting flute and organ concert.

5. Check out Museo de las Casas Reales: Located in the oldest part of town, this museum is packed with colonial artifacts and buildings from the 16th and 18th centuries. Look out for the 16th-century palace, which once served as the Governor’s Palace.

6. Take a Trip to Parque Mirador Sureste: Enjoy a picnic, or admire the incredible views of the Caribbean Sea from the top of the hill. Don’t forget to check out the monument honoring Christopher Columbus, which is located at the entrance of the park.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Puente de la Concordia – Santo Domingo

Q: What is Puente de la Concordia?
A: Puente de la Concordia, also known as the Centennial Bridge, is a cable-stayed bridge located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, crossing the Ozama River. It was inaugurated in 1992, and is currently the longest bridge in the Caribbean region.

Q: What is the purpose of Puente de la Concordia?
A: The purpose of the bridge is to provide a safe, efficient, and cost-effective means of crossing the Ozama River for commuters and visitors. It also serves to connect the eastern and western parts of the city.

Q: What are the features of Puente de la Concordia?
A: Puente de la Concordia is an 836-meter long bridge which has two lanes for cars with a dedicated pedestrian walkway along the north side. It also has four towers with heights ranging from 60-65 meters, and five cable stay anchors.

Q: How can I access the bridge?
A: The bridge is accessible through the Autopista 30 de Mayo, which is an express highway connecting Santo Domingo to the city of La Romana. Public buses also make stops close to the bridge.

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