The Colonial Zone is one of the oldest historical attractions in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It is well known for its spectacular architectural structure, which is ideal when choosing to do a photo session. In this post I will show you which are the most beautiful places and spaces in the Colonial Zone to carry out a unique and waste-free photo session.
As a Dominican photographer in Santo Domingo and having visited these places on multiple occasions, I consider that these are the best spaces to carry out a spectacular photo session with a great variety of spaces without having to travel very far. These places are mostly so large and their structures so diverse that you could simply choose one of these locations and produce a large number of varied photos without having to travel to multiple locations.
Continue reading below to find out my favorite places for photo shoots in the Colonial Zone:
Alcázar de Colón
The Alcázar of Colón is located in the Plaza España of the Colonial Zone, it was the first palace built in the Hispanic era, built between the years 1511 and 1514, its entire building is designed with Renaissance characteristics combined with a Gothic Mudejar style that are noticeable In its arches and all its pieces are unions mainly of coral rocks. Like every space in the colonial city, the Alcázar de Colon keeps its own history. By 1779 its roofs began to collapse and it was not until 1870 when it was declared a national monument of the Dominican Republic. It should be noted that the Alcázar of Colón is one of the most visited monuments by tourists and residents, its entire interior and history dazzles those who visit it. Each of its spaces has items used in its time, such as furniture, sculptures, ceramics, accessories and paintings that date back to its beginnings. It is the ideal place for a very original photo session from its entrance, surroundings and everything inside.
Conde street
El Conde Street is a pedestrian street in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, originating in the year 1543. It is named in honor of the Spanish governor Bernardino de Meneses y Bracamonte, who was called Count of Peñalba, who triumphed over the English forces. in the year 1655. For a long time it was one of the main streets of the Dominican Republic. The street begins at the Puerta del Conde monument at the intersection of Palo Hincado Street and ends at a stone staircase that leads to another avenue. It is currently the only pedestrian street in Santo Domingo, and although it is full of shops and squares, it is still an attractive place for photo shoots, thanks to its number of abandoned buildings, trees, design of the entire street and colors that make it they make it special.
Ozama Fortress
The Ozama Fortress is one of the historical monuments of the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, it was built during the colonial era between 1502 and 1508, it was built to protect the city of Santo Domingo from the attacks of the English, Portuguese and French conquerors , from where you could see the entrance of the Ozama River and the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Currently, its name of Ozama Fortress is due to its proximity to the Ozama River. Its entire architectural structure is designed in the shape of a stone castle, inside it has tunnels, dungeons, ruins of the first work and spaces where in their time they were occupied by those who lived there. On its outskirts it has a huge green area and walls with the same stone style and from its roof a beautiful view of the River and part of the City of Santo Domingo. With each part of the Ozama Fortress we can make a combination of its architectural designs, its green area and its view of the city, to achieve a unique and waste-free session.
Ruins of San Francisco
The Ruins of San Francisco, also declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site, is what remains today of the old church of the Monastery of San Francisco, which began its construction in 1508 and was the first monastery in the new world. They are the remains of what was once one of the most beautiful buildings from the colonial era of Santo Domingo. These ruins have a diversity of spaces for photo sessions, in the remains of its building, the green parts and trees that surround it and every neglected detail of its interior, what was its main entrance and the different divisions and arches that were part of it. of what was the church of the monastery of san francisco. It is an extremely spacious place where you can take a variety of photographs.
First Church of America
The First Church of America was the first church founded in the colonial city of Santo Domingo in 1504. All of its architecture has an elegant Gothic style of golden limestone, fourteen chapels adorned with historical objects and biblical scenes. It has three doors that give access to different points of the place, the most striking of all is the main door, with some impressive columns and architectural designs. Each space around it has a touch that we can take advantage of for a beautiful photo session, it is recommended for bridal showers, sweet 15s, family sessions and even a personal session. You will not regret choosing this place.
Casa de Bastidas or Trampolin Museum
The Casa de Bastidas was built in 1505, its location is on Las Damas Street, right next to the Ozama Fortress of the Colonial Zone in the City of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The building has been remodeled several times, but without losing the original essence of what the Casa de Bastidas was initially. It is a large space with long corridors that join the patio where enormous Roman-style arches culminate with a mix of neoclassical styles. In its backyard it has a dazzling green area with different styles that we can also take advantage of. Without fear of being wrong, I can say that it is an extraordinary space for photos. Although the Museum of the Dominican Child is currently installed, it is still a place with unique attractions in the Colonial Zone.
Museum of the Royal Houses
The Palace of the Royal Court of Santo Domingo, also known as Royal Palaces and Museum of the Royal Houses, is one of the cultural monuments built by the Spanish during the colonial era. It is located on Las Damas Street, corner of Las Mercedes Street in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo. It is a beautiful museum, considered the most complete, since it is the only one with a cultural collection like that of this museum. It is made up of two buildings that communicate with each other, between which nine rooms are divided, with different details and decorations alluding to the colonial era. Over the years it has been remodeled several times, currently its designs have a mix of French style, plaster modifications on the inside and stones of various shades on the outside. If you want a photo session in different spaces, this is the ideal place. Also using the exterior spaces of the building will help you obtain spectacular photos if accompanied by the perfect lighting, the perfect pose and the ideal wardrobe.
Colon Park
One of the most visited parks by tourists and locals, surrounded by beautiful architectural structures, outstanding green trees and a human warmth of the Dominican people without comparison in the city. It has important colonial structures nearby, such as the Primate Cathedral of America, with its spectacular arches and walls that will provide you with beautiful backgrounds for your photographs. It is also important to highlight the majestic statue that is in its center, symbolizing the first sighting by Christopher Columbus of the lands of Hispaniola, along with the Taino heroine Anacaona and around which interesting portraits and photographic shots can be taken to delight you.
You will also benefit from the metal benches, the pigeons in full flight searching for food from visitors and the beautiful trees that will help unleash creativity in your photo session. You can also find buildings with republican and modern style facades, such as the Santo Domingo Town Hall and the Cathedral Museum, which will also provide you with good shots for your memories.
Las Damas street
The most emblematic street in the entire Colonial Zone, it connects with some of the most impressive structures in the area, such as the Ozama Fortress, La Casa de Bastidas and the National Pantheon, at the same time it enjoys being the pioneer paved street in all of America. , with stone pieces carved and placed throughout its entire length. The cultural richness that surrounds this walk is no wonder, with just one walk along this entire street you will be able to take unique portraits and colonial architectural works from the 16th century that will make an unforgettable memory.
Alley of los Curas
As its name indicates, it is an alley that connects the small square of the Primate Cathedral of America with Padre Billini Street, but don’t let the word alley discourage you, it is an extremely beautiful walk with walls decorated in various materials of reddish and white tones. , adorned by Trinitarian ornaments and flowers that rain down its walls. Thus, it has windows and doors of an old and classic design. This alley has a long history behind it and while you are there you can get some beautiful shots in any direction you decide to focus. Halfway through this alley you will find an elegant steel door that divides the passage and can be an interesting element with which to unleash your creativity.
Stairs of El Conde
The most emblematic stairs of the Colonial Zone and without a doubt you cannot miss having a photograph on them due to their beautiful architectural elevation and detailed walls. It is a space that was built in the 1930s (1936) as part of planning for tourist development in the area. These stairs end the entire pedestrian street of Conde and culminate with an impressive view of the Ozama River. I like it because it consists of very diverse spaces for taking photographs, apart from its majestic stairs, it is fed by beautiful trees along its entire length and in its side plaza that will give you a wide view of the entire Port of Santo Domingo, along to the Ozama River.
Plaza Padre Billini
As in the entire Colonial Zone, each of its spaces has a centuries-old history. Each place tells a unique story of great value to Dominican culture, and the Plaza Padre Billini is no exception, which bears the name of a 19th century philanthropist and educator. This square is surrounded by homes such as the Casa de Tostado and the old Casa de Garay, which have been emblematic in the architecture of the entire Colonial Zone. This square has an intimate and quiet space, with statues, benches and brick structures with vegetation that will enrich any photo session you decide to take. In addition to the beautiful views, the square has high quality Bars and Restaurants for the enjoyment of visitors.
Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolas de Bari
Considered the oldest hospital in America, it was built in 1508 and laid the foundations for other hospitals from the colonial era throughout the region. Today only the presence of its ruins remains and these are a unique spectacle in the entire Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, since its base remains intact and its reddish colors make this work an attraction impossible to admire. With its majestic columns and internal bedrooms, this is a diverse space where your photo session will speak for itself. It should be noted that you need a permit from the Ministry of Culture to use its spaces.
In most of the historical places in the so-called colonial city, it is not necessary to pay to use their spaces for a professional photo session. However, in the internal part of the Alcázar de Colón you pay between RD$100.00 and 400.00 pesos, and in the case of the Ruins of San Francisco, Fortaleza Ozama, these have a cost between RD$1,000 and RD$2,000 pesos per session and are Pay the reservation days in advance at the Ministry of Culture, who provide proof of permission to carry out a professional photo session, which must be delivered to the monument guard on the day of the photo session.
The amounts and requirements of the aforementioned locations requiring payments should be used for reference only. It is important before making any decision to contact the Ministry of Culture to obtain specific information on the amounts to be paid and the permits to be obtained for access to photos.
If you want us to help you carry out that photo session that you long for in the Colonial Zone, my team and I are available to help you make it a reality.
