Backpacking the Columbus Lighthouse and Mausoleum in Santo Domingo
Posted: March 14, 2025 | Tagged: Dominican Republic
The Columbus Lighthouse, or Faro a Colón in Spanish, is a mausoleum monument and museum to Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer and navigator and is located in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic.
The Faro a Colón is located in the Parque del Este, a 3.5 km long park which lies to the east of the Rio Ozama, and the historical centre.
Christopher Columbus completed four Spanish-based voyages across the Atlantic Ocean sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs, opening the way for the widespread European exploration, colonisation, exploitation and catholicisation of the Americas and it's peoples.
He colonised the island of "La Hispaniola" in 1492.
On my third day in Santo Domingo, it was time to go and check it out. From my cheap hotel on the west side of the old town to the lighthouse is around 5km. Sadly, the free breakfast at my low budget hotel is poor, so my first stop is at Casa Paco’s for a proper sized coffee (you have to ask for a large one otherwise, they give you a local sized one).
Suitably caffeinated, I continue on my way. The walk is NOT inspirational. The trash and the broken sewer pipes make me sad.
Construction of the Faro a Colón began in 1986, using plans drawn in 1931 by Scottish architect J.L. Gleave. The monument was inaugurated in 1992, 500 years after Columbus's first voyage, when he landed on what is now known as the Dominican Republic.
The monument was built as a mausoleum, but it was requested by former President Balaguer to house a permanent collection of exhibitions from each country of the Americas and a few European and Asian countries.
The design of the monument is unique. It is built in the shape of a cross and projects 157 beams of light to form a cross that, they say, can be seen from Puerto Rico.
There is some dispute as to whether the remains of Columbus are actually here or in the Cathedral of Seville. Either way, it was a cool thing to do in Santo Domingo:
Suitably caffeinated, I continue on my way. The walk is NOT inspirational. The trash and the broken sewer pipes make me sad.
Construction of the Faro a Colón began in 1986, using plans drawn in 1931 by Scottish architect J.L. Gleave. The monument was inaugurated in 1992, 500 years after Columbus's first voyage, when he landed on what is now known as the Dominican Republic.
The monument was built as a mausoleum, but it was requested by former President Balaguer to house a permanent collection of exhibitions from each country of the Americas and a few European and Asian countries.
The design of the monument is unique. It is built in the shape of a cross and projects 157 beams of light to form a cross that, they say, can be seen from Puerto Rico.
There is some dispute as to whether the remains of Columbus are actually here or in the Cathedral of Seville. Either way, it was a cool thing to do in Santo Domingo:
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Opening times of the Columbus Lighthouse and Mausoleum
It is open 7 days a week (good to know because most, if not all, places of interest are closed on Mondays). They open at 9 am. Last entry is at 4.30 pm.
Tickets
Just 100 pesos (or 2 USD). No mark up for foreigners!!
Other Top Attractions in Santo Domingo:
Catedral Primada de las Américas de Santo Domingo:
Fortaleza Ozama:
