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Towards the
Southern Region
Should time permit, a visit to the south
would be worthwhile. Although it is
possible to make the trip from Santo
Domingo (200Km., N 2) in three hours,
it will be much more enjoyable to take
at least four days, especially if you are
driving. The panoramic view from the
coastal highway is breath-taking.
The following are short descriptions on
the four provinces that welcome you on
your journey through the region where
the first quest for freedom was uttered
under American skies. See page 67,
Getting Around in the City.
San Cristóbal
Located 28 km west of Santo Domingo,
it is one of the region’s most visited cities
by those who wish to learn more about
the events related to the dictatorship of
Trujillo who ruled the country with an iron
hand from August 16, 1930 to May 30,
1961.
It is believed that the city’s name was
taken from the nearby San Cristóbal
Fortress that Admiral Don Christopher
(Cristóbal) Columbus had built on the
Haina river’s bank. In 1934 it was raised
to the status of a province, and in 1939
by Act. 93, it was given the title of
“Ciudad Benemérita,” (Meritorious City,
a title that disappeared when the regime
was overthrown) taking into consideration
that the first legal constitution of the
Dominican Republic had been signed
there and that it was the birthplace of the
“benefactor of the country,” father of the
new country, Generalissimo Doctor Rafael
Leonidas Trujillo Molina. The title of the
civil guard city disappeared with the
assassination of the tyrant.
We suggest an itinerary that include a
visit to the Church of San Cristóbal, the
Palacio del Cerro, La Casa de Caoba,
the Cuevas de El Pomier or de Borbón,
a national treasure where there are
hundreds of cave paintings created by
the Indians that populated the island,
el Balneario La Toma and the Cuevas
de Santa María (Santa Maria Caves),
where patronal festivals are celebrated
with baile de palo and atabales (drum
festivals), pointers to the African influence
in Dominican folklore.
Also, its coasts have the beautiful
beaches of Najayo, Nigua, and
Palenque, with their crystalline waters that
are ideal for the enjoyment of underwater
fishing, and Loma de Resolí, where the
climate is pleasantly cool year-round.
The carabiné, typical dance of the
southern region, variant of the Canary
iza, reigns over San Cristóbal’s patronal
festivities, celebrated from June 6-10,
dedicated to the Holy Spirit.
• Where to Stay
Consult the Hotel Directory in page 70.
• Info:
Tourism Office � 809-528-1844
Dominican Republic
107