One of the biggest tourist attractions in Santo Domingo Catholic Cathedral of America, also called the Cathedral of the blessed virgin Mary.

The construction of the first Catholic Church in the New world began in 1514, under the leadership of Bishop Garcia Padilla and lasted for 30 years until 1544. 12 February 1546 at the request of Emperor Charles V, Pope Paul III granted the Cathedral to the status of Cathedral.

It is quite spacious temple. Its length is 54 m, width - 23 meters height to the vaulted ceilings of 16 meters, total area of 3000 square meters.

During the construction of the Cathedral was used Golden coral limestone mined in local quarries. The appearance of the temple, one can observe a mix of styles from Gothic and Baroque to the strong influence of the plateresque, the elements of which are particularly clearly seen in the design of the silver altar 1540. In the Cathedral there is a treasure trove, including a lovely collection of wooden statues, furniture, jewelry, silver ware.

On the square next to the Cathedral is a monument to Christopher Columbus and, according to some historical versions, near the main altar of the Church was buried the ashes of this great traveler.

In 1990 the Cathedral was included in the world heritage list of UNESCO.