subject: What Makes Santo Domingo Special [print this page] Santo Domingo is the capital city of the Dominican Republic and has a long history that dates back to the time of Christopher Columbus. He initiated it as the very first European New World settlement way back in 1496. You will experience the colonial theme from this early time at some of the preserved historical sites.
Santo Domingo brings to you a combination of the old and new, apart from the variety of both natural and man-made attractions. The city is relatively larger than many of its Caribbean counterparts, covering about two hundred and thirty square kilometers. Santo Domingo, which has a population of more than three million people, borders the Caribbean sea at the southern coast of the Dominican Republic.
Santo Domingo is a city of many firsts in the western hemisphere. Among the first things that were found here are hospitals, law courts, monasteries, cathedrals and universities.
The center of Santo Domingo is known as the 'colonial city', which has contributed to its designation as one of the World Heritage Sites. At the center of the city is a large green square, which is the hub of the city's cultural and artistic shows. Among the things you will find here are the National Theater and four museums, namely the Museum of History and Geography, the Museum of Dominican Man, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of Natural History.
If you love natural features, there are mountains and forests nearby where you can enjoy your time. Among the places you may visit are the National Zoo, which is among the largest zoos throughout Latin America; the Botanical Garden, which has unique plants; and Mirador Sur Park, which is among the biggest green spans in the city.
The Santo Domingo weather is one of the things that make it quite interesting. The tropical climate affords you plenty of sunshine to enjoy during your vacation. All year round, the temperature stands at an average of 77 degrees Fahrenheit, although it may go as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer season. The temperature is relatively cooler at the mountains.
Like many tropical regions, Santo Domingo usually has two seasons - the dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season is usually from May to August. Between November and December, there are often light showers. However, not all parts become wet at the same time. The Northern parts tend to receive rain between mid October to January while the eastern and northeastern parts experience heavy rain from June to November. In the southeastern coast, rain usually comes between May and October.
The Bacaro and Punta Cana areas generally receive relatively less rainfall. As you can see, there is always sunny weather in one part or another throughout the year in Santo Domingo.
Although you should be well prepared whenever you go, it is better to take even more precaution when you visit Santo Domingo. The rate of crime is rather high, so you should keep a close eye on your property.
