Columbus Park (Parque Colon)

Parque Colón is the Colonial Zone's hangout, a shady plaza where Columbus's contested statue faces the first cathedral in the Americas. People-watch, catch street music, and sip coffee at nearby cafés.

As seen by the alternate name for the monument, Monumento del IV Centenario, the statue's original purpose was to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the “discovery” of the Americas.

Christopher Columbus had asked to be buried in Santo Domingo, his favorite island, and in 1537, his and Diego's remains were transferred to Santo Domingo, to a temporary location and then to the cathedral.

2) Parque Colón (Columbus Park): Founded in 1506 as Plaza Mayor, later renamed Parque Colón in 1887 in honor of Christopher Columbus, whose statue—crafted by French sculptor E. Gilbert—stands at its center, pointing northward 3) Plaza de España: Large open square with restaurants and views of the Alcázar.