Stopped in while wandering around the colonial zone. I'm glad I did. Was not there very long but made a lasting impression for the history of the DR.
Filled with tombs and plaques to commemorate some of the DR's greatest heroes, this lovely building is a quiet place to visit and reflect. The military guards stand rigidly to attention and are great for a photo op!Free to enter and walk around, it; definitely worth a short visit
Quiet, Respectful, Solemn, Uplifting monument to national heros.Nice quick visit on a quiet street.
This former tobacco warehouse is now guarded by a DR soldier - think: Buckingham Palace. There are other soldiers around who will take pictures with you. The ceiling artwork (toward the back) is worth the visit. You can walk through pretty quick so even if some of your party isn't into it - it will be a quick visit.
This location wasn't on my original list of must-sees for Santo Domingo, but our tour guide took us through and I'm really glad for it! It's a peaceful place, where many historical Dominican figures are laid to rest. Gorgeous building (in great condition also) and the uniformed guards are something to see!
This old (18th century?) former church has been retrofitted to be the mausoleum of some of the national heroes of the Dominican Republic. It's a very quick visit - and frankly - is free. So, it's absolutely worth going in. I've now been here several times. And, to be honest, I'm not sure I know enough about Dominican history to feel a real connection with the people interned here. However, it is really nice to see the national pride on display. Having been to the changing of the guard at all sorts of similar places, (UK, US, France, Greece, etc...) I can say that the soldiers' uniforms are a little rough for wear but the effort is there to "protect" the eternal flame in the former nave of the church. The wall paintings are very impressive and worth a look too. Remember, the Pantheon is free to enter. However, there are always guides waiting by the entrance who hope to take people around Old City. They seem to tell different stories about the same places and will ask for some money. Eventually, I'll do that too. I just haven't done it yet.But, do visit the Pantheon.
Our guide led us to believe this was originally a personal mausoleum that had been altered to house the remains of many of the national heroes of the independence of the Dominican Republic, as exhibited by the security forces nearby. The outside is rough stone, but the inside is polished marble. The floors gleam, the frescoes awe. The tombs are all labeled and having a guide is a must to understand their significance.
We reached National Pantheon at the exchange guard moment. is very interesting to see this show.The place is not big, but is interesting and you can spend around 10-15 minutes to see the "eternal flame" inside and the guard exchange.
This reminded me of our Tomb to the Unknown Soldier. There is an everlasting flame, and a soldier marches up and back with great solemnity. Also, plaque was in English and Spanish which I appreciate.
The history of the National Pantheon is very interesting and the guards on duty added color. However, be wary of anyone posing as a guide that works for the government at this location. They only want to try to give you a tour and then hound you for money after you've told them no several times