Primada de América Cathedral or Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria de la Encarnacion Primada de America

The Primada Cathedral of America is without a doubt one of the great monuments of the Holy Dominic Primate of America. Located in the colonial area of ​​the city of Santo Domingo, this being the oldest Catholic cathedral in the New World. Officially its name is Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica Santa María de la Encarnación Primada de América and was built in honor of Santa María de la Encarnación. But due to the complication with this name, It is known only as the Primada Cathedral of America.

History of the construction of the First Cathedral of America

Being the oldest cathedral in the New World, seat of the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo. Construction began under the command of Pope Julius II. Its design was based on the plans of the architect Alonso de Rodríguez.

Its foundations date from 1512, under the direction of the Bishop fray García Padilla, appointed as the first bishop of Santo Domingo, which could never reach the island. When Bishop Alejandro Geraldini in 1519 arrived, determined the construction of a sanctuary of greater solemnity. Therefore the construction of the current temple was decided, whose first stone was laid in 1521. However not was but to 1523 that construction began on an ongoing basis until its consecration in 1541.

The construction work was carried out by Luis De Moya and other construction masters, and Rodrigo de Liendo ended up being recognized as the architect of the work.

In 1546, Pope Juan Paul III granted him the status of Metropolitan Cathedral and Primate of the Indies. During the 1920s, Benedict XV designated it Minor Basilica. In the 1547 was interrupted the construction of the Bell Tower of the basilica. This was due to the same height exceeded the keep causing disturbances.

 

For the 1586 This became headquarters of the troops of Sir Drake during its occupation. Who also looted the Alacazar de Colon. The cathedral suffered severe damage and invaluable losses when Francis Drake (Pirate English) plunder the city of Santo Domingo, in the year 1586. In 1655 returned to be consecrated.

Description and structure of the Primada Cathedral of America

The main materials that make up this church are calcareous stone and other brick and masonry points. The Gothic-style building is made up of 3 naves that are separated by circular pillars. The two side are composed by vaults of rib vaults while the central is to 2 waters. It has 3 portals which two confer a gothic style while the third is plateresque style. This account with 14 chapels surprising of which most stands out the chapel of Santa Ana's style Renaissance.

Was built with walls very solid, their facades are impressive, the cover main has a style Baroque, two of their covers have a Gothic style, unique in the region. The surroundings of the Cathedral have 3 leading spaces. To the North of the plaza de armas also an area similar to a prelude and to the South the passage of the priests. The view of the facade North allows you to appreciate its battlements and lodge, place where it is said, they are the ashes of Cristóbal Colón, ash that you have transferred to the lighthouse to Colon, the most precious monuments boasts the Cathedral Primada de America are Rodrigo Bastidas tomb and the tomb of Bishop Alessandro Geraldini.

Currently the Cathedral with 14 chapels all worthy of admiration, also has with three doors that allow access to different points important of the zona colonial: Plaza of the priests, Plaza Colón and Plaza major.

Experience of the team Dehovi:

Delve into the ruins and colonial buildings that still stand in The Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo. It is an adventure that transports the most intrepid of travelers to a journey of five centuries ago, when the first Europeans began to walk in these lands that began the colonization of America.

The Fortaleza Ozama, colonial streets, how Las Damas Street first of the New World, The Ruins of the Monastery of San Francisco de Asís or The Alcazar of Colon,  are some of the European buildings and constructions, that make your imagination dream of a totally different world.

Walking through the streets that once served as a means of circulation, to the first Spaniards and Europeans on Dominican soil, it is an experience with history. Walking in the distant past through one of its streets La Arzobispo Meriño, we arrived at the Primada Cathedral of America, in a world where religion was the center of everything, we must imagine and understand understand what this cathedral meant to the first Europeans in America.

The Gothic style of the time is denoted on its facade, the materials that were used as limestone and an architecture based on ornaments with religious meanings, being what then predominate in that world.

Art objects in The Primada Cathedral

The cathedral contains a large repertoire of ancient art, including altarpieces of the Virgen de la Altagracia del 1523. The joinery is completely old, resulting in a contrast between the architecture and furniture of that time.. Also there are monuments and tablets among other objects. Something important are the mausoleums of the archbishops and the tombstone of Simón Bolívar. There is also what is recognized as the treasure of the cathedral that is made up of silver pieces and jewelry.

Current location

It is located between the streets of Archbishop Meriño and Isabel La Católica, near Columbus Park; leaving your door leading to the West, facing the street Archbishop Merino, almost corner Archbishop Nouel.

How to get there:

You must go to the city of Santo Domingo to itsColonial zone,  is located between the streets Archbishop Meriño and Isabel La Católica, near Columbus Park.

Their hours are:

Phone:  (809) 682-3848

When it comes to undertake this destination we recommend carrying:

Long sports trousers.

Comfortable t-shirt if you go as a tourist, in case of attending mass hours you must wear formal clothes, to respect the solemnity of the mass and those present.

Closed-toe shoes or sandals.

Sunglasses.

Tour suitable for all the family.

• In case you feel lost on your way to The First Cathedral of America, we recommend using Google Maps or orienting yourself with citizens, They kindly indicate the road.