La Vega’s cathedral, facing the main plaza, is a fascinating eyesore that looks like a cross between a medieval fortress and a coal plant. It's an odd mixture of Gothic and neo-industrial styles, though the large, contemporary interior is easier on the eye.
Catedral de la Concepción
Central Highlands
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
18.77 MILES
This large, modern museum, built with the tobacco wealth of the León Jimenez family, is a world-class institution with an impressive collection of…
9.83 MILES
So picturesque are these falls that an opening scene of the movie Jurassic Park was filmed here. Of the three waterfalls near Jarabacoa, it’s the…
17.66 MILES
The second you step out of your vehicle into the aroma bubble of Sendero del Cacao you'll feel transported to a tropical, outdoor Willy Wonka's Chocolate…
3.95 MILES
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Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración de la República
18.85 MILES
On a hill at the eastern end of the downtown area, this monument is Santiago’s most recognizable sight, featuring a large bronze Angel de La Paz statue at…
14.71 MILES
The home of Patria, Minerva and María Mirabal, sisters who were assassinated by agents of dictator Rafael Trujillo in 1960 because of their opposition to…
Reserva Cientifica Loma Quita Espuela
25.1 MILES
The dense vegetation of this remote countryside, and the difficulty traveling through it, gave the reserve its name: the Mountain of the Missing Spur (a…
18.74 MILES
This is the oldest and most prestigious cigar factory in the country, with a brand-new showroom and personable tour guides. Exhibits in the showroom…
Nearby Central Highlands attractions
3.95 MILES
Legend has it that Christopher Columbus placed a cross he received as a bon-voyage gift from Queen Isabella atop this hill, which commands fantastic,…
4.83 MILES
What’s left of the original site of La Vega are the ruins of the fort Christopher Columbus ordered to be built and a church. After the great earthquake of…
9.67 MILES
Generally referred to as Salto Jimenoa, this waterfall's appeal consists in the views only, as the bathing pools at the foot of the 40m cascade are fenced…
9.83 MILES
So picturesque are these falls that an opening scene of the movie Jurassic Park was filmed here. Of the three waterfalls near Jarabacoa, it’s the…
10.49 MILES
The family-run Monte Alto coffee farm is near Manabao, but the processing factory is just outside Jarabacoa – to get there, cross the bridge over the…
10.53 MILES
In a lush canyon, Baiguate is not as visually impressive as the other waterfalls in the area, but it’s the most accessible for swimming. A lovely 300m…
7. Reserva Científica Ebano Verde
11.1 MILES
Look for the entrance to this 23-sq-km reserve on the road to Constanza from Santiago. There’s also an easy 2km nature trail through tropical forest where…
11.63 MILES
The Iglesia Corazón de Jesus has a panel of beautiful stained glass imported from Turin.