#1 The Monument

Imposing is seen from a distance, even before reaching Santiago, this monument that today is a landmark of the city.

It was originally built by the despot, Rafael Leónidas Trujillo, in his honor, calling it the Trujillo Peace Monument.
Construction began in 1944 to celebrate the centenary of the independence of our country. Its structure is partially covered in marble extracted from the Samaná mines. On its exterior a statue of Trujillo mounted on a horse, in colossal size was erected.
It measures 70 meters high, has 365 steps that lead to its top; that amount meant that the dictator "took care of his citizens all year."

It has coffered cornices, columns in Ionic style and beautiful lamps. On the second level there are some murals by the Spanish painter Vela Zanetti and the top is crowned by an immense statue of a woman called "The Angel of Peace".

In the year 1961, after the murder of Trujillo, his statue was demolished and the name of the monument was changed to "Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration".

In its surroundings there are a series of bars where a large number of people congregate on weekends and evenings. Its gardens are used by santiaguenses also in the afternoons and in the evenings, towards it they overflow to share with family and friends the view offered by the city and the cool breeze that embraces them.

You are welcome to visit!

2 Jarabacoa

The city of Jarabacoa is located in the Cordillera Central of the Dominican Republic, in the heart of the country and 530 m above sea level, in the beautiful valley of La Vega. It is surrounded by four major rivers: the Yaque del Norte, the Jimenoa, the Guanajuma and the Baignate. These rivers are the longest in the Caribbean, with the Yaque del Norte reaching a distance of about 300 km.

His name is due to the Taino Indians who lived there before the arrival of the Spaniards; they called it that, whose name means "land of water sources." The Spaniards arrived looking for gold and silver to the place, being abandoned by these soon after.

Although it is also popularly called the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its average temperature of 22 ° C throughout the year, although from the month of December to February, early mornings and mornings are a little more cold that during the rest of the year.

There is a saying that "God is everywhere ... but sleep in Jarabacoa", because in this city you can enjoy the longed for peace and tranquility in the most beautiful nature. There are also those who say that there is no more romantic place, by which one can get lost in a horse ride through the highest mountains of the Antilles.

You are welcome to visit!

Later i will bring you more places and more cities!