Santiago de los Caballeros or simply Santiago (Spanish for Saint James of
the Thirty Knights) is the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic
and the fourth-largest city in the Caribbean. It is the capital of the
Santiago Province and a major metropolis in the north-central part of the
country. This city was the epicentre of the Dominican War of Independence
against Haiti. A good day at Santiago begins with a trip to the Monumento
de Santiago, a 1940s monument dedicated to struggle and the fallen heroes
of the Dominican Restoration War of 1863. Those wishing to know more about
the city’s Caribbean art and culture can pay a visit to the Centro Leon
cultural centre.
Things to do in Santiago
Fortaleza San Luis
Fortaleza San Luis is a historic riverside fort and museum located near the
Yaque del Norte River in Santiago de los Caballeros. It had served as a
strategic center of command and defence during several battles of the War
of Restoration. In 1916, the United States had occupied the Dominican
Republic but it had to press 1500 Marines into service to hold the fort
alone.
Monumento a los Heroes de la Restauración (The Monument of the Heroes
of the Restoration)
Built during the dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in 1944, the
Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración is a monument built to celebrate
100 years of the Dominican War of Independence in Santiago de los
Caballeros. The dictator had initially ordered to build it in his honor but
after his death, it was dedicated to the nation.
Catedral de Santiago Apostol (St. James the Apostle Cathedral)
The St. James the Apostle Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in
Santiago. This late 19th century cathedral is dedicated to St.
James the Greater, the disciple of Jesus and the son of Shebedeus and of
Salome.
Best Time to Visit Santiago
Winter season (the months from December to March) are the best to book your
flights from Miami to Santiago. Book your flights from MIA to STI during
summer season to enjoy Christmas and New Year celebrations during this time
of the year. It is advised to book Santiago flights in advance to avoid
paying more during peak season.