Santiago de los
Treinta Caballeros
Santiago de los
Caballeros (Santiago of the
30 Gentlemen )
Santiago de los Caballeros. This city is
referred to as La Ciudad Corazón, (Heart City)
because it is located at the heart of El Cibao
Valley; it is also known as the capital of El Cibao.
Tobacco, rice, coffee, and cacao are some of the
many products grown in the fertile soil of this
beautiful region. This city is graced by the
meandering Yaque del Norte River and is home to the
popular Dominican Baseball team, Las Aguilas
Cibaeñas. Santiago's history goes back to the late
15th Century, and it has always played a major role
in the economic and social development of the
Dominican Republic.
Often compared to Santo Domingo, the city of
Santiago, the second largest metropolis, is
comprised of natives that prefer a less chaotic and
more purposeful lifestyle than its counterpart. Home
to over 750,000 people, the heart of this laid back
city proves to be the cultured downtown area. In
addition, Santiago is where most of the country's
presidents were raised; giving the city well-deserved
bragging rights.
A primary downtown attraction and a place were
boredom is not in the vocabulary is Calle del Sol.
Known as the city's main shopping district, the
street is stocked with shops, hotels, restaurants,
bars and an array of vendors.
Located north of Calle del Sol is Parque Duarte. A
popular area to kick up those traveling feet and get
acquainted with the natives, this shady park is a
great representation of Santiago's laid back
lifestyle.
An ideal spot for cigar lovers and a perfect place
to relax after a day of shopping is the Museo del
Tabaco. Visitors will learn about the art of cigar-making
while purchasing some of the country's top brands.
Located in Santiago, it would be a sin to exit Cibao
Valley without stopping by this one-of-a-kind museum.
People from around the globe visit Santiago year-round
to stay at some of the finest accommodations that
satisfy the needs of any traveler. In addition, the
city provides a vibrant nightlife and variety of
stores that are comparable to the capital city.
Most travelers know that convenience is an added
bonus. Santiago provides an additional benefit by
serving as an alternate airport to Puerto Plata.
Also, both of the airports are of about equal
distance to Monte Cristi and other destinations in
the Dominican Republic's northwest region
History of Santiago
Founded in 1495 during the first wave of European
colonization of the New World, today Santiago de los
Caballeros (the first "Santiago" of America) is the
second largest metropolis in the Dominican Republic
on the island of Hispaniola. Also known as Santiago
de los 30 Caballeros, is the capital of Santiago
Province.
Attractions in Santiago
The picture on the
left is a monument built to commemorate the
restoration of the Republic's Independence, it was
built in the 40's with 67 meters of altitude, in
white marble, it has small museums in it's interior,
several murals and frescos decrypting the life of
taino indians and other equally impressive works,
it's a symbol of the city of Santiago, once named
"Monumento to the peace of Trujillo" while the
Dominican Dictator was in power, . It's a site that
serves as a meeting destination for all
Santiagueros, these are the residents of the City of
Santiago, if you ever go there you'll notice
something very much unique to this city, the
absolute absence of any tourism aimed sites, we have
none there, it's by far a tourism free city(if there
ever was one).
Santiago is
known as the oldest and most traditional families in
the Dom. Rep. the most prestigious and well to do
merchants and industrial owners and executives make
it their home, many of the country leaders come from
including presidents come from this region.
Economy
The city's economy depends mainly on the production
of cigarettes, rum, furniture, pharmaceuticals,
soaps, leather articles, and processed foods,
including cacao, milled rice, and dairy produce.
Santiago is on the main highway linking Santo
Domingo 85 mi 137 km southeast with Montecristi
in the extreme northwest.
Music
Santiago is the cradle of the Merengure Tipico,
the most popular form and original Merengue of the
island, called Pericos Ripiaos, these are candent
fast paced Merengue tunes, it's home to one of the
most dynamic Free Trade Zones in the country, and
where the best nightclubs, discos, and restaurants
in the country are located, it is known for it's
very intense nocturnal life
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