Attraction Guide: Museum of the Royal Houses, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Museum of the Royal Houses Guide

Step Back in Time: Explore the Museum of the Royal Houses Guide

The Museum of the Royal Houses (Museo de las Casas Reales) in Santo Domingo's Colonial City is a captivating journey into the Dominican Republic's rich colonial past. Housed in a magnificent 16th-century palace, the museum showcases the history, art, and culture of the Spanish colonial era. It's a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the island's complex and fascinating heritage. Originally built in the early 16th century, the building served as the Palace of the Governors and the Royal Audience (Real Audiencia), the highest court of the Spanish Crown in the Americas. It played a crucial role in the administration and governance of the colony. Over the centuries, the building underwent several renovations and served various purposes before being transformed into a museum in 1973. The museum's collection includes artifacts, furniture, weapons, and artwork that depict life in the colonial era, providing a comprehensive overview of the period. Visitors to the Museum of the Royal Houses can explore the various rooms and exhibits, each dedicated to a different aspect of colonial life. You can see recreations of historical settings, learn about the roles of the governors and judges, and admire the impressive collection of colonial art. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. While the museum itself doesn't have a culinary tradition, the Colonial City is filled with restaurants offering traditional Dominican cuisine, such as 'la bandera dominicana' (rice, beans, and meat), 'sancocho' (a hearty stew), and 'tostones' (fried plantains).