Primate Cathedral of America

The Cathedral of Santo Domingo 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 given priority at the request of Charles I of Spain (grandson of the Catholic Monarchs). Today it is the most important religious building in the Dominican Republic.

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