Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Columbus Lighthouse

Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism

Key Info

Details

Monuments and Memorials Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend

3.8

Overall

Scorecard

Value

4.0
Atmosphere

3.0

Read about how we rank Things to Do.

There's a chance that you won't be blown away by the beauty of the Columbus Lighthouse. El Faro a Colón, as the locals call it, is built in the shape of a cross, and some former visitors described it as downright ugly.

Still, this is a historically significant attraction that houses the purported remains of Christopher Columbus. Additionally, travelers can also find various exhibits — like a vehicle once used by a former pope — as well as several libraries. (Much of the interior, though, lies unused.)

You can visit the controversial lighthouse, located in the Sans Souci part of town, anytime between 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on any day but Monday. Admission will cost you about 20 Dominican pesos (or the equivalent of $0.44 USD). Children ages 11 and younger can enter for approximately RD$5 (or about $0.11 USD). Visit the official website for further details.

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Antiguo Hotel Europa ...

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3.0-star Hotel Class

Hostal Nicolas de Ovando Santo Domingo ...

1.1 Miles Away
4.5-star Hotel Class

Hodelpa Caribe Colonial ...

1.2 Miles Away
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#2 Catedral Primada de America Some people refer to this church by its official name, Catedral Santa María La Menor, but it's probably best known as the first cathedral of the Americas. Whatever you ... Read more » Ana Stefanovic / Getty Images

#3 Alcazar de Colon Once the home of Diego Colón, Christopher Columbus' son, this 16th-century viceregal palace (or residence of the governor/viceroy) was the nucleus of the Spanish court for more than 60 ... Read more » Lubomir Jendrol / Getty Images

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#5 Fortaleza Ozama The Fortaleza Ozama is the oldest formal standing fort in the Americas — reason alone to swing by for a visit — but travelers also describe it as a great place to ... Read more » czekma13 / Getty Images

#6 Los Tres Ojos For those looking to take a break from the city's rich history, consider exploring Santo Domingo's tranquil Los Tres Ojos (which translates to "The Three Eyes" in English ... Read more » Eaulive / Flickr

#7 Columbus Lighthouse There's a chance that you won't be blown away by the beauty of the Columbus Lighthouse. El Faro a Colón, as the locals call it, is built in ... Read more » Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism

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