Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

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Visiting a new country can be a thrilling adventure that will leave you with many stories to tell. From the bustling city life to the sun-kissed beaches, the Dominican Republic has much to offer visitors. One of the most popular places to visit in the Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo, the country’s capital. And one of the city’s most well-known landmarks is the Monumento a Colón, a large marble monument dedicated to explorer Christopher Columbus. The monument stands tall on the waterfront of the city, and is a great place to learn more about the fascinating history of the Dominican Republic. Here, we take a closer look at this monument and the historical context behind it with our Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo: Interesting Facts, Information and Travel Guide.

Interesting Facts About Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo

1. Faro a Colón was built in 1992 as a memorial to Christopher Columbus in honor of the 500th anniversary of his voyage to the Americas.

2. Faro a Colón is a three-story lighthouse and its light beam is visible up to 95 miles away.

3. It houses the remains of Christopher Columbus and the interior is decorated with murals telling the story of the discovery of the Americas.

4. The top of the lighthouse is lined with stained-glass windows that light up at night featuring the coat of arms of the Dominican Republic.

5. The grounds around Faro a Colón have been restored to their natural beauty, and now house a number of species of local animals, including endangered species like the Leatherback sea turtle.

6. The lighthouse was closed to the public in 2016 due to safety concerns and is currently undergoing extensive renovation.

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History & Information About Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo

Faro a Colón, or the Columbus Lighthouse, is a monument built in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s first voyage to the new world. The lighthouse was designed by Dominican architect José Antonio Caro and is located on the grounds of the Fortaleza Ozama. The total cost of construction was approximately US$80 million. The lighthouse measures 92 meters tall, and is seen both day and night from the entire city of Santo Domingo.

The lighthouse contains a crypt with a statue of Christopher Columbus, as well as a mural on the inside walls that depict important events of the explorer’s travels to the Caribbean. The monument includes a planetarium, a research center, a museum, and even televisions broadcasting images from space. The top of the lighthouse features two main symbolic elements, the cross of Christ and a bronze medallion of the “Caravel Santa María”.

The monument includes a light and sound show which tells of the history of the Dominican Republic, and recalls the legends and stories of the Hispaniola. There are also sculptures, stained glass windows, and a museum with a vast collection of objects associated with Columbus’s expedition.

The Faro a Colón is currently in the process of being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is an important symbol of the Dominican Republic’s culture and history, and an iconic reminder of its ties to the European colonial legacy.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo

1. Explore The Old City: A visit to the fascinating old city of Santo Domingo is a must. Start your visit at the Columbus Lighthouse, a ceremony of lights illuminating the sea and cityscape. This huge light-based monument commemorates the first voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492 and stands as a reminder of Spanish colonial influences in the country’s history. Take a stroll around the walled town built by Spaniards and take in the breathtaking views of the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean beyond.

2. Visit The Cathedral Of Santa María La Menor: Located in the heart of the old city lies the Cathedral of Santa María La Menor. This 17th-century structure is the oldest cathedral in the Americas, having been built upon the ruins of a former mosque. Admire its impressive stone and wooden detailing, its baroque paintings, its high altar and the adjacent Claude Monet-inspired Fuente de las Finestras art installation.

3. Shopping & Dining In Plaza San Francisco: If you’re looking to pick up a souvenir or two sign up for a shopping tour around the historical district. Plaza San Francisco, and its surrounding streets, are home to some of the city’s best boutiques and local eateries where you can enjoy traditional Dominican dishes.

4. Visit Faro a Colon: This sprawling complex of monuments is dedicated to the life and legacy of Christopher Columbus. Home to the Columbus Royal Chapel, a museum, a man-made lake, gardens, and eye-catching steel sculptures, Faro a Colón is a great place to learn about all things related to the explorer’s historical journey.

5. Care For You’re Sightseeing Needs: Don’t miss the chance to take in some of the most incredible views of Santo Domingo. From The Colon Historical Park and La Caleta, to the views of San Juan and beyond! Make sure to book a tour so you don’t miss out on the best sites.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo

Q: What is Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo?

A: Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo is a unique monuments in the Dominican Republic, a memorial of the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus. The monument is composed of four tall granite pillars topped by a cross, and it offers a spectacular view onto the Caribbean sea.

Q: How old is Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo?

A: Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo was constructed in 1992, its inauguration was led by the President of the Dominican Republic in honor of the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s landfall in the Americas.

Q: What is the structure of Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo?

A: Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo is a massive structure composed of four tall granite pillars, topped by a cross, displaying a different scene from the life of Christopher Columbus on each side. Inside the structure is an impressive undergound museum which offers visitors a look into the life, travels, and legacy of Columbus.

Q: Is it possible to visit Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo?

A: Yes, Faro a Colón – Santo Domingo is open to visitors who wish to learn more about Christopher Columbus and the Dominican Republic. The Memorial is open year-round with Monday being the only day it is closed.

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