Spain Square (Santo Domingo)
| Plaza de España | |
|---|---|
 Plaza de España with the statue of Nicolás de Ovando, governor of La Española, and the Alcázar de Colón in the background. | |
 | |
| Type | Plaza |
| Location | Ciudad Colonial Santo Domingo  Dominican Republic |
| Opening | Early 16th century 1990 (remodeling)[1] |
| Operated by | Santo Domingo City Council |
The Plaza de España, also known as the Plaza de la Hispanidad, is a public square located in the historic district of Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. To its north lies the historic Alcázar de Colón, dating back to 1514, and to the south, the Museo de las Casas Reales, built in 1511.[1]
The plaza is a popular gathering spot in the city, surrounded by a variety of restaurants and outdoor terraces. Due to its large size, it is also a popular venue for concerts and festivals.[2]
Description
[edit]On the northeast side of the plaza stands the Alcázar de Colón, dating from 1514, which is the most visited museum in the country. At the center of the plaza is a statue of Nicolás de Ovando, the governor of La Española who ordered the reconstruction of the city. On the south side is the Museo de las Casas Reales, built in 1511 by order of King Ferdinand II of Aragon to house the administrative offices of the Provincial deputation in Spanish America. To the east of the plaza is the Ozama River.[3]
History
[edit]Built in the early 16th century, Plaza de España was an important social center for the first Spanish families in the city. It was the commercial and social hub of the city.[3][4]
During the 19th, several houses were built around the plaza.[4]
In 1990, the plaza was remodeled when the Ciudad Colonial of Santo Domingo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.[1] As part of the remodeling, a fountain in the center of the plaza was removed.[4]
Gallery
[edit]-
Vista de la plaza y el Alcázar de Colón in 2017 -
Vista de la plaza desde el Alcázar de Colón
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Los encantos de la Plaza de España" (in Spanish). Hoy. February 15, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
- ^ "Plaza de España". Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (in Spanish). Retrieved October 17, 2020.
- ^ a b Ortega, Bethania (November 23, 2019). "Plaza de España de Santo Domingo" (in Spanish). Conéctate.com.do. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Historia Dominicana: La Plaza de España" (in Spanish). Noticias SIN. November 3, 2017. Archived from the original on October 18, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2020.