Monument of Santiago (Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración)

A popular gathering spot for local Santiagueros, the Monument of Santiago is the tallest building in the city, standing 230 feet (70 meters) tall and topped by a bronze Angel of Peace (Angel de la Paz) statue. You can take an elevator to the fifth floor, which features a spacious outdoor terrace offering panoramic views over Santiago, then walk up 365 steps to the top for even more far-sweeping vistas.

In addition to boasting a unique perspective on the city, the first few floors of the monument contain a library and museum with murals, paintings, and sculptures. A small park containing statues of notable figures and Santiago traditions surrounds the monument. You can visit independently or as part of a Santiago city tour.

• There is an entrance fee to access the upper areas of the top of the monument. Students receive free entry.

• Don’t forget your camera to capture the views from the observation deck and the very top of the monument.

• There are many bars and restaurants around the monument; food trucks also appear when there are events or gatherings.

The Monument of Santiago is located on top of a hill, at the eastern end of the historic center and downtown Santiago, on Avenida Coronel Juan María Lora. Numerous buses stop nearby. It’s also an easy taxi, rideshare, or concho ride from anywhere in the city. Santiago city tours also stop here.

The monument is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from early morning to early evening. Come during the day to explore the museum and see the city views, and again at night to see the monument lit up with lights. Concerts and other artistic and cultural events are held here from time to time. Be aware that on most Tuesdays, different school groups visit as part of a field trip.

To learn more about the history of the Dominican Republic and Santiago, head to the Palacio Consistorial. This renovated neoclassical building houses historic photos of the city, along with views over downtown Santiago from its second-floor balcony. At the historic Fortaleza San Luis, you can explore Caribbean art and military history, while the Centro León museum has permanent exhibits on Dominican art, culture, history, and identity.