Thursday, June 14, 2007

Cities-Santiago






In 1495, Christopher Colón founds, during his first trip, the fort of Santiago, in the north bank of the river Yaque of the North. In 1506, the villa that is formed about this one is moved on the banks of the river Jacagua. In 1562, Santiago is destroyed by an earthquake. The survivors install themselves in areas belonging to Petronila Jáquez widow Minaya, adjacent with the river Yaque of the North, current location of the city.



Santiago has been a witness of important historical events. It is necessary to mention the Battle of March 30 (1844) or Battles of Santiago, with which the Dominicans consolidate their independence of the neighbor Republic of Haiti, and it took place in the current Park Imbert of this city. Also it is important to say that it is the first city of America in calling with the name of Santiago.

It was the capital of the Dominican Republic during the War of the “Restauracion” (1863-1865), Santiago has possessed important personalities in the political, economic and social field of the country.

Nailed in the Valley of the “Cibao”, fertile land adapted for almost all the agricultural products, there is the province of “Santiago de los 30 Caballeros”, Santiago is the economic center of the Cibao. Industrial Center of the country, contributes 40 % to the national GDP, turning into one of the most prosperous cities of the country. It possesses a coarse middle and high class. The people of Santiago are characterized for being nice, educated and hospitable.

Santiago has a population between 800,000 and 1,000,000 of habitants, is the second city of major importance and population of the Dominican Republic after Santo Domingo. It’s recognized worldwide by its plantations of tobacco and long tradition linked to the sowing, crop, production and marketing of this important item, on the market of the goods of consumption of luxury. Here are produced varieties that include the fair tobacco, Burley, tobacco of cap and black tobacco. In Santiago there are concentrated the industries that manufacture the best cigars that the Dominican Republic feels proud to offer to the world, with the same symbolism that our aborigines were smoking the pipe of the peace. Our country produces both third parts of the cigars Premium.


In this city are the principal universities of the country inside which we can mention: UASD, PUCMM and UTESA.


Santiago has an international airport, several shops, supermarkets; all the services of the big cities and the charmed of a small town.


What to see and what to do?

Go to…

“Centro León”

That as it motto says: " is a place where the whole world is " there you will be able to enjoy every typical things of the “Cibao” as well as also you will be able to learn of the culture of this magnificent zone; temporary exhibitions of famous national and international artists.


In the "Centro Leon", also you were finding a beautiful Caribbean court, where you will be able to enjoy the best engraved concerts and of exquisite concerts in live, as well as also excellent food and beverages that offers their cafeteria. If you want to know more of this place visits: http://www.centroleon.org.do/.






…. The Cinema
To enjoy a good premiere movie, in our three fantastic cinemas located in different strategic points of the city.

At the “ Plaza Internacional”

At the Colinas Mall

And at the Hollywood plaza


……To coffees and restaurants outdoors
In the area of “Los Jardines Metropolitanos” there is a zone that this very fashionable, where are several coffees outdoors, in which you can enjoy with your friends from early hours of the evening, of exquisite food and beverages. You must see: Carach, Belcaire, Kafa, Bianco, which are one next to other ….

Or if you prefer more quiet go to Capresso that is a coffee “Bistro” with a French style.


See…...

El Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración


Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración, Monument of the City of Santiago in the Dominican Republic. It was constructed by Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in the 40`s as an honor to himself. But when the regimen disapared, the government changed the name to "Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración" (Monument the Heroes of the Restauration).


It is located on a hill in the middle of Santiago with spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains. It also has a surrounding park and it is an atractive place at night where people go to relax and shoot the breeze.