Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, Santo Domingo

Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, Santo Domingo (must see)

The Cathedral of Santa María la Menor holds a prominent place in history as the oldest cathedral in the Americas. Dedicated to St. Mary of the Incarnation, the cathedral's historical significance, exquisite architecture, and impressive art collection make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The cathedral's facade, fronted with golden-tinted coral limestone, is a sight to behold. Its architectural style is a harmonious blend of Gothic and Baroque elements, complemented by lavish plateresque designs. The high altar, crafted out of silver, stands as a prime example of the cathedral's opulence and devotion to artistic expression.

Within the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor lies a treasure trove of art, displayed in its treasury. The collection includes ancient woodcarvings, ornate furnishings, funerary monuments, silverware, and exquisite jewelry. These artistic masterpieces provide a glimpse into the craftsmanship and devotion of the artists and patrons throughout the centuries.

The cathedral's rich history can be traced back to its consecration by Pope Julius II in 1504. Construction began in 1512 under the leadership of Bishop Fray García Padilla, with the skilled hands of Luis Moya guiding the process. The result is an architectural marvel with twelve side chapels, three aisles, and a nave. The pitched roof of the nave and cross-vaulted ceilings of the aisles add to the grandeur and magnificence of the interior.

Stepping inside the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, visitors are transported to a bygone era. The sight of retablos, paintings, old woodwork, furniture, sculptures, and tombstones in the treasury leaves a lasting impression, representing centuries of religious devotion and artistic expression.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santo Domingo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor on Map

Sight Name: Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor
Sight Location: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (See walking tours in Santo Domingo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Create Your Own Walk in Santo Domingo

Create Your Own Walk in Santo Domingo

Creating your own self-guided walk in Santo Domingo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Colonial Architecture Tour

Colonial Architecture Tour

As the vanguard of European advance to the West, Santo Domingo burgeoned into the first seat of the Spanish colonial administration. The city's colonial architecture is a significant aspect of its identity, featuring a blend of styles that evolved over time, influenced by indigenous, African, Spanish, and other European cultures.

The heart of Santo Domingo's colonial architecture is...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Santo Domingo Introduction Walking Tour

Santo Domingo Introduction Walking Tour

The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, or simply "La Capital" as the locals commonly refer to it, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.

Founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, Christopher Columbus's younger brother, it was originally called "La Nueva Isabela", but was soon renamed Santo...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles