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Independence
or Central Park :
The improvements to the park began in 1872; constructed
with walkways and gardens sporadically. The public square
constructed in the center of the park was completed by the end
of XIX. The construction was similar to the elegant Victorian
era: two stories, of octagonal form, with concurrent double
balconies, composed of "Moorish " arches. It was
constructed following plans obtained in Belgium by Monsieur
Maurice Bogaert, at the request of the city council and the
governer. The present one is actually a replica of the
original and was restored in 1983. |
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Cathedral
of San Felipe :
The original was constructed in 1934. In reinforced
concrete with twin towers and the influence of Art Deco in its
facade. In this same place as the cathedral was a wooden
church covered in zinc, in the form of a basilica, which had
been constructed in 1871. |
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House
of Culture :
It occupies the elegant Victorian building that formerly was
"the Recreational Society of Cultural Faith in the
Future" that with the City council building, is one of
two original buildings that are of a set of four which in the
first decade of the twentieth century formed a harmonious and
graceful row that defined the east side of the park. It is a
good representation of Victorian taste. With three floors,
this building was restored in 1985. It is distinguished by its
Mansard ceiling, with attics and balconies, and the two-story
atrium in the center. |
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City
Hall :
An excellent example of neo-classic construction, a masonry
building whose facade follows the traditional lines of Spanish
governmental buildings; that is to say, one arcade of two
floors without great adornment. The assembly hall in the
interior is, of its epoch, one of the spaces better conserved
in the country. |
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Sociedad
Cultural Renovacion :
Building constructed between 1902-1909. One of the
valuable buildings of the Town: a beautiful expression of
neo-classicism, reflected as much in its portico as in its
inner door, an arch flanked by Corinthian columns. Its
interior stands out especially by stairs in the form of a
snail, and its splendid halls, conserved almost in their
original state. |
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Club
de Comercio :
This is one of the most important buildings of this epoch in
the city. The ample gallery, as much as the frontispiece,
dominates an important corner of the park. The interior still
conserves its moldings and Victorian furnishings. It was
constructed in 1897. |
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Botica
San José :
This is a key building to the atmosphere of the park as much
by its history as by its physical appearance. This was the
home of the commerce club before 1897. Its long balcony in
square with the attics above has a touch of
"gingerbread" that precedes the Victorian
architectural period in Puerto Plata. This building was
recently restored. |
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Hotel
"Castilla" and "Sam's Bar & Grill"
:
Magnificent wooden construction of two stories, in the
Victorian style, was constructed in the late 1890's. This was
Puerto Plata's first hotel and still functions as a hotel for
many travelers from around the world. It has been known as a
"gringo" bar since the early 1970's. Recently more
Dominicans are realizing they can experience good local and
American style food and friends in the friendly atmosphere of
the restaurant/bar. |
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Amber
and Larimar Gallery :
Made of reinforced concrete, built by a Spanish bricklayer who
built several buildings in Puerto Plata. Once belonged to Jose
Batlle who used it as a warehouse for tobacco, cafe, cacao,
etc. It stands out for its classic style, including the use of
the Greek motif of a key in frieze of the baseboards.
Furthermore, for several years in this building that
incorporates modern construction is a store for craftsmanship.
One gallery has a permanent exhibition of pieces of amber and
larimar. |
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PUCMM
University :
Originally was constructed to lodge the high school:
"Jose Dubeau " who inaugurated the building in
approximately 1925. This was a school of the most advanced
style and comfort when it was built. Made of reinforced
concrete, with extensive classrooms and an ample patio. |
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Cultural
Society "Renovacion" :
Building constructed in approximately 1910. Masonry
construction of two floors, with small balconies with wrought
iron forged in the windows. This construction contributes much
to the colorful sense of the street, inside is a public
library, which publishes and makes literary aid annually. The
building was restored not long ago. |
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The
Fire Station :
Constructed in 1909 (approx.), notable by its later facade
with an apse where an altar dedicated to Our Lady of Mercedes,
patron saint of the firemen is located. |
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Regalado
Park :
Constructed in 1916. In the style of the epoch, that includes
a bower in the center of the Plaza. |
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John
F. Kennedy Street :
Victorian and republican houses are located up and down this
street. |
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The
Arzeno Castellanos Home :
One of the distinguished houses of its time (1909) in the
city, with a gallery in square and steps in the form of a
medium sized snail, constructed for Augusto Arzeno. |
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Olivares
Home :
Built by a Jamaican constructor for the retailer Rodolfo
Bournigal, who later sold to Rodolfo Bentz in 1914. It is a
beautiful house in reinforced concrete, with a neo-classical
gallery and balustrade of wrought iron. Recently restored by
its actual proprietor, conserving the purity of its original
lines. |
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Sculpture
:
A magnificent piece made by the excellent Dominican
artist, which is located in the frontal part of the
"Puertoplatena de Prestamos" patron company of the
work. |
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Museum
of Amber :
A small palace in reinforced concrete, with an ample
neo classical gallery between sides. Constructed in 1918 by
the owner one of the most notable sugar cane mill of the North
coast, when the price of sugar was very high. It has been
always known as "Villa Bentz" in reference to the
last name of its original owner |
