Our journey begins in the heart of Santo Domingo - in the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic district is a true gem of colonial architecture, where every stone tells a fascinating story. Walking through the cobblestone streets, we can feel like explorers from the 15th century.

One of the highlights of the Zona Colonial is Columbus Park (Columbus Park). It is the central location of the district, where the impressive statue of Christopher Columbus is located. The park is bustling both day and night, offering not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to observe the daily life of Santo Domingo's residents. Note the colonial buildings surrounding the park, which create a unique atmosphere for the place.

Not far from the park is the Estátua de Cristóbal Colón, another monument dedicated to the famous explorer. This majestic sculpture, created by artist Ernesto Gilbert, was unveiled on February 27, 1887. Standing in front of the monument, we can imagine the moment when Columbus first set foot on the soil of the New World.

However, the Zona Colonial is more than just a monument. It is first and foremost a living museum of colonial architecture. Walking along streets, such as the oldest cobblestone road in the New World - Calle Las Damas, we can admire beautifully restored buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. Note the distinctive balconies, colorful facades and richly decorated portals.

For those who want a deeper dive into history, we recommend a visit to the Museum of the Royal Houses. It's a place where history comes alive with a rich collection of artifacts from the colonial era. Housed in the former Palace of the Royal Audiencia of Santo Domingo, the museum features exhibits such as weapons, uniforms and ancient masks of the Taino Indians. This is an excellent opportunity to better understand what life was like at the time when Columbus and his successors shaped the new reality of the Caribbean.

Zona Colonial isn't just about history - it's also a lively neighborhood, full of atmospheric restaurants, cafes and souvenir stores. In the evening, head back to Columbus Park, which takes on a special charm after dark, when the historic buildings are beautifully lit.

Leaving the charming streets of the Zona Colonial, head toward one of the most impressive monuments dedicated to Christopher Columbus - Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse). This huge structure, located in Santo Domingo Este, is not only a lighthouse, but primarily a mausoleum and museum.

Faro a Colón, built in 1992 for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America, is a monumental tribute to the great explorer. The structure is shaped like a cross and stretches 210 meters in length. Its size is very impressive, especially when one realizes that it is one of the largest monuments in Latin America.

Inside Faro a Colón is a mausoleum where the remains of Christopher Columbus are believed to lie. Although the question of the authenticity of these remains is debated (some researchers claim that the real remains of Columbus are in Seville), the site itself has great symbolic and historical significance.

The Columbus Lighthouse also serves as a museum. Inside it you will find numerous exhibits related to the era of the great geographical discoveries, including maps, navigational instruments and everyday objects from the 15th and 16th centuries. Many of the exhibits are gifts from countries that participated in the construction of the monument, giving it an international flavor.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Faro a Colón is the lighting system. The 157 powerful spotlights pointing to the sky create a cross of light that can be seen from as far away as tens of kilometers on clear nights. This is not only an impressive spectacle, but also a symbolic reference to Columbus' role as the 'light bearer' to the New World.

It's a good idea to plan your visit to Faro a Colón for late afternoon or early evening so that you can enjoy both the interior of the museum and the spectacular illumination of the structure. Keep in mind, however, that due to the monument's enormous size, the tour may take up to several hours.

Comparing Faro a Colón with the previously visited sites in the Zona Colonial, we can see the contrast between the intimate, historic character of the old town and the monumental, modern approach to commemorating Columbus here. While Zona Colonial allows us to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the colonial era, Faro a Colón offers a more contemporary view of the great explorer's legacy.

It's also worth mentioning that there is a curiosity near Faro a Colón - a Papamobile on display, a vehicle used by the Pope during his visits. This is an additional attraction that may be of interest especially to younger tourists.

Our journey in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus in the Dominican Republic is coming to an end, but the great explorer's influence on this Caribbean island is evident at every turn. By visiting sites associated with Columbus and the era of great discovery, we were able to not only learn about the fascinating history, but also see how the past is intertwined with the present in Dominican culture and identity.

The Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, with its cobblestone streets, colonial buildings and monuments such as Columbus Park and the Museum of the Royal Houses, allows us to literally walk in the footsteps of history. It's a place where we can feel the atmosphere of the early years of European settlement in the New World. The contrast between the historic buildings and the bustling life of the modern city creates a unique blend that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Faro a Colón, on the other hand, represents a more contemporary approach to commemorating Columbus. This impressive monument not only pays tribute to the great explorer, but also serves as a symbol that connects the past to the present and future. Its modern architecture and advanced lighting technology show that Columbus' legacy continues to inspire and fascinate future generations.

Comparing these sites, we can see the different ways in which the Dominican Republic celebrates its colonial past. Zona Colonial offers an authentic, historical experience, allowing one to almost touch history. Faro a Colón, on the other hand, takes a more monumental and symbolic approach to commemorating Columbus.

It is worth noting the differences in accessibility and character of these sites. The Zona Colonial, which is the tourist center of Santo Domingo, offers a wide range of attractions, restaurants and stores, making it ideal for families with children. Faro a Colón, which is somewhat out of the way, requires more time to explore and may be more suitable for those interested in learning more about history.

To sum up our trip, it's worth noting that Christopher Columbus' legacy in the Dominican Republic is not just monuments and memorials. It is a living history that shapes the country's identity and culture. By discovering the traces of Columbus, we can better understand not only the Dominican Republic's past, but also its present and future.

For families planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, a tour in the footsteps of Columbus offers the perfect opportunity to combine a beach vacation with a fascinating history lesson. It's a trip that can inspire, educate and leave an unforgettable impression on adults and children alike.

We encourage you to explore this fascinating history on your own. Each of the places visited has its own unique character and atmosphere, and together they form a remarkable mosaic that tells the story not only of Christopher Columbus, but also of the birth of the New World.