Alcázar de Colón

The Alcázar de Colón is an early 16th-century viceregal palace in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, constructed as the residence of Diego Colón, son of Christopher Columbus. It is one of the oldest viceregal residences in the Americas and now operates as a museum.

The building contains restored period rooms, displays of colonial-era furniture and portraits, and a central courtyard typical of Spanish colonial palaces; guided visits show domestic and ceremonial spaces across multiple floors. Architectural elements reflect late Gothic and early Renaissance influences adapted to the Caribbean climate.

Construction began in the early 1500s under Diego Colón and the palace served as the administrative and residential seat of the Columbus family and later viceregal occupants; it underwent restorations in the 20th century to preserve original layouts and furnishings for museum use.

The alcázar stands in the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo, close to Plaza de España and within a short walk of the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor and the Ozama River waterfront.

• Construction dates: Built between 1510 and 1514 by Diego Colón, son of Christopher Columbus, as the residence of the Columbus family in Santo Domingo.
• Viewing point: Best views and photographic angles are from Plaza de España and the adjacent seafront promenades facing the building.

What to See #

• Central courtyard: A central open courtyard surrounded by ground-floor rooms and arcades that organizes the layout and provides light to the main rooms.
• Upper-floor rooms: Upper-floor state rooms and private chambers that house period furnishings, portraits and exhibition displays reflecting early colonial life in Hispaniola.