Museum of the Casas Reales (Museum of the Royal Houses), Santo Domingo
Museum of the Royal Houses is a captivating historical treasure that dates back to the colonial era of Hispaniola. Constructed in the sixteenth century, this magnificent building was originally designed to serve as the administrative headquarters for the Spanish colonies in the Americas. Commissioned by the Spanish Crown on October 5, 1511, the palace was meticulously constructed as two interconnected buildings to house the essential government offices of the colony.
The southern section of the Museum of the Royal Houses served as the Royal Audiencia, which functioned as the first court of the New World. Additionally, it housed the office of the Comptroller General. Meanwhile, the northern section was utilized by successive Viceroys, Governors, and Captains-General, making it an integral part of the region's colonial governance.
Throughout its history, the building underwent various transformations. During the period of French sovereignty over the Eastern part of Hispaniola in 1807, General Louis Ferrand bestowed the facade with a classical architectural style, adding to its grandeur. Subsequent changes were made to adapt the building for use as the Governmental Palace during the last year of President Carlos Felipe Morales's administration. Later, during the government of Rafael Le贸nidas Trujillo, further modifications were carried out to accommodate government offices.
Eventually, the building underwent a restoration process that brought it back to its original 16th-century appearance, preserving its historical authenticity. On October 18, 1973, during the administration of President Joaqu铆n Balaguer, the Museum of the Royal Houses was established as a museum dedicated to showcasing the history, life, and customs of the inhabitants of the Spanish colony. However, it was not officially opened to the public until May 31, 1976, in a momentous ceremony attended by King Juan Carlos I of Spain.
Today, the Museum of the Royal Houses stands as one of the most visited and revered attractions in Santo Domingo. As visitors step inside the museum's hallowed halls, they are transported back in time, gaining a deeper understanding of the country's colonial past and the impact of Spanish rule on the region's cultural heritage.
The southern section of the Museum of the Royal Houses served as the Royal Audiencia, which functioned as the first court of the New World. Additionally, it housed the office of the Comptroller General. Meanwhile, the northern section was utilized by successive Viceroys, Governors, and Captains-General, making it an integral part of the region's colonial governance.
Throughout its history, the building underwent various transformations. During the period of French sovereignty over the Eastern part of Hispaniola in 1807, General Louis Ferrand bestowed the facade with a classical architectural style, adding to its grandeur. Subsequent changes were made to adapt the building for use as the Governmental Palace during the last year of President Carlos Felipe Morales's administration. Later, during the government of Rafael Le贸nidas Trujillo, further modifications were carried out to accommodate government offices.
Eventually, the building underwent a restoration process that brought it back to its original 16th-century appearance, preserving its historical authenticity. On October 18, 1973, during the administration of President Joaqu铆n Balaguer, the Museum of the Royal Houses was established as a museum dedicated to showcasing the history, life, and customs of the inhabitants of the Spanish colony. However, it was not officially opened to the public until May 31, 1976, in a momentous ceremony attended by King Juan Carlos I of Spain.
Today, the Museum of the Royal Houses stands as one of the most visited and revered attractions in Santo Domingo. As visitors step inside the museum's hallowed halls, they are transported back in time, gaining a deeper understanding of the country's colonial past and the impact of Spanish rule on the region's cultural heritage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santo Domingo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Museum of the Casas Reales (Museum of the Royal Houses) on Map
Sight Name: Museum of the Casas Reales (Museum of the Royal Houses)
Sight Location: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (See walking tours in Santo Domingo)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (See walking tours in Santo Domingo)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Santo Domingo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Santo Domingo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Colonial Architecture Tour
As the vanguard of European advance to the West, Santo Domingo burgeoned into the first seat of the Spanish colonial administration. The city's colonial architecture is a significant aspect of its identity, featuring a blend of styles that evolved over time, influenced by indigenous, African, Spanish, and other European cultures.
The heart of Santo Domingo's colonial architecture is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
The heart of Santo Domingo's colonial architecture is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Santo Domingo Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, or simply "La Capital" as the locals commonly refer to it, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.
Founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, Christopher Columbus's younger brother, it was originally called "La Nueva Isabela", but was soon renamed Santo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, Christopher Columbus's younger brother, it was originally called "La Nueva Isabela", but was soon renamed Santo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles