Ruinas de San Francisco
Explore the first monastery of the New World, a resilient testament to centuries of history in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Ruinas de San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the first monastery of the New World, a resilient testament to centuries of history in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone.
"Great place if you are on a city tour with a guide."
Affordable Museum Entry
Tickets to the museum are very affordable, offering great value for exploring the ruins. :ticket:
Guided Tours Enhance Visit
A tour guide can significantly enrich your understanding of the ruins' history and significance. :bustsinsilhouette:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
First Monastery of the New World
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Explore the remnants of the very first monastery built in the Americas, a significant historical site.
Photogenic Arches and Walls
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Discover stunning photo opportunities amidst the ancient arches and weathered walls, perfect for capturing history.
Museum and Guided Tours
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Gain deeper insights into the history with an affordable museum visit and informative guided tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Understanding the Ruins' History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Affordable Museum Entry
Tickets to the museum are very affordable, offering great value for exploring the ruins. :ticket:
Guided Tours Enhance Visit
A tour guide can significantly enrich your understanding of the ruins' history and significance. :bustsinsilhouette:
Great for Photos
The ancient architecture provides numerous picturesque spots, ideal for photography enthusiasts. :camerawithflash:
Exterior View is Sufficient
For a quick visit, viewing the ruins from the outside can still be a rewarding experience. :eye:
Tips
from all over the internet
Affordable Museum Entry
Tickets to the museum are very affordable, offering great value for exploring the ruins. :ticket:
Guided Tours Enhance Visit
A tour guide can significantly enrich your understanding of the ruins' history and significance. :bustsinsilhouette:
Great for Photos
The ancient architecture provides numerous picturesque spots, ideal for photography enthusiasts. :camerawithflash:
Exterior View is Sufficient
For a quick visit, viewing the ruins from the outside can still be a rewarding experience. :eye:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Ruinas de San Francisco to be a historically significant site, offering a glimpse into the first monastery of the New World. The affordable museum entry and the opportunity for guided tours are frequently praised. However, some note that not much of the original cathedral remains, and a quick exterior view might suffice for some.
"You can have a nice look from outside. Need to go to the museum to get in, you'll also get a tour guide person. Tickets to the museum are very affordable."
Santiago Francisco Venneri
"Great place if you are on a city tour with a guide."
Marguerite Kopiec
"Quick view of the ruins, also from the outside is enough."
Luca Venerucci
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ruinas de San Francisco are located in the heart of the Ciudad Colonial in Santo Domingo. You can easily reach them by taxi, Uber, or by walking if you are already exploring the Colonial Zone. Many city tours include this as a stop.
Yes, there is parking available near the Ruinas de San Francisco, especially if you plan to visit the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can view the exterior of the ruins for free. However, to enter the museum and explore the site more closely, you will need to purchase a ticket, which is quite affordable.
The museum hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or ask your tour guide for the most current information.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended to understand the historical significance of the ruins. The museum ticket often includes access to a guide.
The entrance fee for the museum is very affordable, making it an accessible historical site for most travelers.
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient arches, weathered stone walls, and the surrounding colonial architecture offer numerous picturesque angles. The 'spot on the escalinatas' is particularly popular.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions within the museum exhibits.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
These ruins represent the first monastery built in the New World, founded in 1508 by Nicolás de Ovando. They have witnessed centuries of history, surviving earthquakes and hurricanes.
The original structure suffered significant damage over time due to natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, as well as historical events and looting.
Throughout their history, the ruins have served various purposes, including being used as a leprosarium and a mental asylum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable for kids, keep it relatively brief and focus on the most visually interesting parts. The affordable ticket prices make it an accessible option for families on a budget. Bringing along snacks and water is always a good idea, especially in the Dominican heat.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To maximize your photographic experience, aim for early morning or late afternoon visits to capture the best light and avoid crowds. The museum also offers insights that can inform your photography, helping you understand the context of what you're capturing. Don't forget to explore different angles and compositions to truly showcase the historical grandeur of this site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colonial History
+1Over the centuries, these historic structures have endured a tumultuous existence. They have faced the wrath of hurricanes, the tremors of earthquakes, and the impacts of invasions and looting. Despite these challenges, parts of the monastery have survived, offering a tangible connection to the past. The resilience of these ruins speaks volumes about their original construction and their enduring presence in the heart of the Ciudad Colonial.
Today, visiting the Ruinas de San Francisco offers a unique opportunity to walk through history. While much of the original structure is gone, the remaining walls and arches evoke a powerful sense of the past. The site also houses a museum that provides further context and details about its long and varied history, making it an educational and visually striking destination.
Photography and Atmosphere
Beyond the visual appeal, the ruins exude a unique sense of history and tranquility, especially when visited outside peak hours. The 'spot on the escalinatas' has become a particularly popular area for photos, offering a vantage point that captures the grandeur of the remaining structures. Whether you're a professional photographer or just enjoy snapping pictures, the Ruinas de San Francisco provide endless opportunities for stunning imagery.
For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – when the light is softer and the crowds are thinner. This will allow you to capture the textures and details of the ruins without the harsh midday sun or the hustle and bustle of larger groups.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit