The palace is an impressive construction of coralline blocks that once housed some fifty rooms and a number of gardens and courtyards, although what remains today is about half the size it once was. It was built under Diego Colón, the son of Christopher Columbus; when he became Viceroy of La Española and the Indies in 1509, he ordered the construction of a family home and governor’s mansion between 1510 and 1512. During the early Spanish colonial period, the mansion occupied a very important place in history. It was from here that many expeditions of conquest and exploration were planned. In 1586 the palace was sacked by Sir Francis Drake and his forces. As the influence of Santo Domingo waned, the house fell into ruins, and by the mid-eighteenth century was abandoned and in danger of rotting away. It was rescued and extensively restored between 1955 and 1957.

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Kate H.

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Kate H.

Apr 16, 2010

A beautiful museum, and one of the most popular in the city. Visit the castle to learn about Spanish colonial rule in Santo Domingo....and also to get out of the heat! The walls are very thick and it's really refreshing to be in a cool place on a hot Caribbean day!

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