Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, has a carefully restored old town that retains the charm of the colonial buildings. With its many squares, churches and remnants from the colonial era, visitors should definitely take a full tour of the city. This was where the first university, the first cathedral (Catedral Basílica Menor de Santa María) and the first hospital in the region were built. Parque Colon with the bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and the lighthouse with Columbus' grave, as well as the Palacio de Borgella are all in the old town. Other attractions here include the Basilica Menor de La Virgen de la Anunciacion, the oldest church in the New World and various museums, including the Gallery of Modern Art, the 'Museo del Hombre Dominicano' and the National Theatre.
