Primate Cathedral of America

The Santo Domingo Cathedral is not just any cathedral. It is the first Primate Cathedral of America, also called the Church of Santa María de la Encarnación. It was completed in the mid-16th century and was primated at the request of Charles I of Spain (grandson of the Catholic Monarchs). Today it is the The most important religious building in the Dominican Republic.

he cathedral is Gothic in style with Renaissance overtones. I recommend going inside because you can visit it for free. The entrance is not in Plaza Colón itself but at the back. Inside you can see various important paintings, although the cathedral itself is quite austere. If you decide to go in and are wearing shorts, they will give you a cloth to cover yourself.