Santiago
Santiago actually had three beginnings. Bartolomeo Columbus founded Santiago de los Caballeros in 1495 after an inland settlement at La Vega was abandoned. The town was moved to present-day Jacagua a few years later, leveled by an earthquake in 1562, then rebuilt at its present site. The ruins at La Vega can still be seen. Just north at Santo Cerro, or Holy Hill, Christopher Columbus reputedly raised the first cross of Christianity in the New World. The hill affords a spectacular view of the valley below.
Next to Santiago's Duarte Park is the Catedral de Santiago Apostol. The Gothic and neoclassical cathedral was built 1868-95 and features a carved mahogany altar and stained-glass windows by Rincon Mora. The Museum of the City of Santiago is in the 19th-century town hall. A good way to take in some of Santiago's historical and architectural sights is by horse-drawn carriage.