The Old City Hall of Santo Domingo stands on the corner of the pedestrian Calle El Conde and Calle Arzobispo Meriño. The building was originally constructed at the beginning of the 16th century as the residence of the Mayor of Santo Domingo. Over the course of five centuries, it has also served as barracks for the Haitian Guard, a courthouse, a military library, and even a bank.
Its present appearance, however, is quite different from the original. During a major reconstruction between 1911 and 1913, the building was substantially redesigned. An elegant arcade was added, along with a 29-meter clock tower. The result resembles a refined 19th-century European public building in the French Neoclassical style.
This new architectural image was created by the Dominican architect Osvaldo Báez Machado…
By the way, take a close look at the clock tower. Doesn’t it seem, from certain angles, to lean ever so slightly, rather like the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa? It’s hard to say whether the tilt is real or simply an optical illusion… Either way, it certainly adds a touch of intrigue.
The second floor of the building houses the offices of the Ayuntamiento del Distrito Nacional (National District City Hall), including its ceremonial meeting chamber, the Sala Magna. Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to climb the staircase to the corner balcony for photographs. Access is restricted to official delegations, staff members, or those with special permission.
The City Hall stands beside Colón Park (Parque Colón), where our walking tour originally began. If you’d like to take a break and enjoy a meal, the pleasant El Conde restaurant is the closest one to the City Hall.
If you choose a table beneath one of the outdoor awnings, you’ll enjoy a lovely view of the park and the Cathedral together. Be sure to notice the magnificent old trees. According to local tradition, they are so ancient that they may even have “remembered” Christopher Columbus himself.
After relaxing in Colón Park, you can continue to another fascinating museum. Walk along Calle Arzobispo Meriño (with the Cathedral on your left and the City Hall on your right), and you’ll find the museum at the very next intersection, where the street meets Calle Padre Billini. There’s a small square there, so it’s easy to spot.