National Palace
Avenida Mexico, Santo Domingo
Considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the Dominican Republic, the National Palace was designed in the Neoclassical style. Built in the 1940s under the brutal reign of dictator Rafael Trujillo, the ornate and expansive building houses the offices of the President and Vice President and is a functioning seat of government.
Designed by Italian architect Guido D’Allessandro, the three-story building spans around 193,750 square feet (18,000 square meters) and is surrounded by formal gardens. Featuring an impressive dome supported by 18 columns, the palace was built from marble quarried from the Dominican Republic. In addition to the presidential, vice presidential, and other government offices, there are numerous reception rooms, including the Ambassadors’ Room and the Caryatid Hall, known for its sculpted columns of female figures.
As a working seat of government, the National Palace is typically closed to the public, though visits can be requested, and tours are occasionally provided with prior arrangements. Most sightseeing tours of Santo Domingo include a quick stop at the National Palace to view the exterior and take photos, sometimes with the guards.
The National Palace is not usually open to the public, but it’s worth visiting for its exterior.
There is a dress code for visitors who do have an invitation to enter the building. Proper identification, such as a passport or driver's license, must also be presented.
Be careful with the traffic in front of the palace, which can be hectic.
The National Palace is located in the Gazcue neighborhood of Santo Domingo. It’s around a 15 to 20-minute walk from the Zona Colonial or an easy taxi ride. Several buses also stop nearby. Many city sightseeing tours include a quick stop at the palace when traffic permits.
Since the National Palace isn’t typically open to the public, travelers can stop by at any time to admire its exterior. For the best lighting, visit in the golden hour just after sunrise and before sunset. If you plan to enter the building, you must make arrangements before your visit. The best time to visit Santo Domingo is during the dry season, between December and April.
The Gazcue neighborhood is full of beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, which can be seen simply by walking around the area. The Plaza de la Cultural is the central cultural hub of the city, with museums and theaters covering history, natural history, science, art, film, and geography. The Palace of Fine Arts, home to an art museum, art schools, and theaters, is also in the neighborhood.
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