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Why Santiago?
Santiago is the second largest city on the island with a population of almost a million people. It is located in the middle of the country, surrounded by the most fertile soils of the Caribbean and by abounding natural resources.
Founded as the city of "Los Trenta Caballerous" it was originally build on the banks of Rio Yaque Del Norte at a place called Jacagus in 1494 where Columbus ordered a fort to be built. The settlement was moved in 1563 to its present day site but was destroyed in the late 16th century by an earthquake.
Re-built later and named "Santiago los Caballerous" the city is the industrial center of the island with rum and tobacco being it leading products.As you enter the city you will see the "Monument of the Restoration of the Republic". A white marble structure that rises some 220 feet in the sky. The monument houses an exceptional collection of murals by Vela Zaneti and has an exceptional view of the city below.
The narrow streets of the city offer tourists a look into the city past. With almost every street having least one Colonial building on it and some of the even older buildings being of Victorian decent, with their gingerbread style housing this city is a historical charm.
The best way to get around the city is by foot, but a ride through the city in a horse drawn carriage offers a chance to see more of the city. A good place to begin you tour of the city is the "Museum of the City of Santiago" which is located in a 19th century palace. Other places of interest are, "Tobacco Museum","Cathedral de Santiago Apostle", and the Tomas Morel Museum of Folklore Art". The rum distilleries also attract their share of tourist. All major distilleries offer tours and one of the highlights of their tours is the tasting of different kinds of rum made there.
One point of interest is that this is also the birthplace of the Merengue, which evolved in the Dominican countryside among the happy natives years ago. The Caribbean dance that is still danced today, now is one of the most popular Latin styles dancing in the world.
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