Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon), Santo Domingo Province, Dominican Republic

3B1714D 5:00 PM Jan 30, 2022

USSR Columbus
This is a very intriguing, difficult to rate monument. Italian born and sailed out to the New world under the Spanish flag, neither of these countries ever had such architecture. If I was put here not knowing where I am, I'd guess I'm in ex USSR or some ex eastern block country. So, I wonder whose idea was to build this brutal massive concrete structure ??!! But, this strong contrast with everything else you see in DR (as well in all Caribbean) and the importance of Columbus discovery makes you visit it. Faro a Colon lies in the eastern part of SD, across the Ozama river in a huge park. It's around 10 min drive from Zona Colonial, and there's a pretty big parking lot. Heavy police presence, felt safe - do NOT come after sunset as it's not safe as police told us (nor there's anything you can do). The edifice is in a shape of a huge cross, enormous in size, like a 7,8 stores bldg high. Entry is free. Beneath the center of the cross is a big Columbus grave monument with his remains as they say (although everybody knows it is in Seville Cathedral), while above it is a crown symbolizing the lighthouse. On the shorter Cross arm are few Chapels with some paintings, while on the longer Cross arm is a total confusion of several interconnected rooms with displays and pics from Japan, China, EU, South America,....really didn't find a clue why they're there (explanations are mostly in Spanish). In my opinion the authorities could find a much better (and way less expensive) way to honor Columbus - I doubt he'd like this as well. TIP: Combine your visit here with the 3 eyes National park, which is only 5 min drive from here (for the lighthouse you need around 30 min for a visit).

3ArturoFeliz 5:00 PM Aug 2, 2014

Ok Museum, not so well kept
Columbus lighthouse (Faro a Colon) is an impressive landmark and in its beginnings used to be an impressive place to visit. Well kept museum and the lighthouse was something out of this world (It could be seen from the whole city) After years of sub-par maintenance it may not be a shadow of what it used to be.