SANTO DOMINGO- The Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) launched yesterday the restoration of a group of historical and cultural infrastructure works belonging to the architectural heritage of the Colonial City, for a projected amount of RD$116 million, according to data provided by the head of that state agency.
David Collado, Minister of Tourism, explained that the reopening of the remodeled buildings is part of the program being implemented by the Inter-American Development Bank and the Ministry of Tourism for the complete restoration and revitalization of the historic Colonial City, the oldest urban center in Santo Domingo
The works include the Alcázar de Colón and Puerta de La Misericordia monuments, as well as the facades of several architectural heritage sites in the Colonial City (churches, chapels, sanctuaries, pantheon).
Collado explained that the works will have an impact on the number of national and foreign tourists visiting the Colonial City.
The Alcázar de Colón Monument will undergo restoration at a total cost of RD$74,331,239. According to the agency, the plan will "correct structural issues present on its four facades." It will also address exterior areas such as the courtyard, the interior of its two levels and roof, and include a series of measures for the maintenance and beautification of its spaces.
RD$17,070,360 will be invested in the Puerta de La Misericordia (Gate of Mercy) for its improvement. The project will include the restoration of the stone wall, cleaning and sanitation of the wall surfaces, replacement of the wall covering, and the restoration, expansion, and adaptation of the walkways.
In addition, the garden areas will be renovated, the benches will be restored and new units will be built; it also includes the restoration of the electric lighting and general beautification of the entire environment.
The project also includes actions aimed at the safety and inclusion of users, such as air conditioning, an emergency power plant, a video surveillance camera system, fire prevention, construction of a ramp for disabled people, removal of doors and windows, partial replacement of floors and landscaping.
The restoration of the facades of heritage buildings in the Colonial City will involve an investment of RD$25,010,686, which consists of cleaning and restoring the exterior facades of the monuments.
The intervention will be carried out together with the specialized staff of the National Directorate of Monumental Heritage, taking into account the specialized construction systems for the restoration, cleaning and sanitation of the facades of the buildings.
The monuments
The work will be carried out in the Pantheon of the Fatherland, the Museum of the Royal Houses, the Church of Las Mercedes, Regina Angelorum, Church and Convent of the Dominicans, Church of San Lázaro and the San Miguel parish.
Also in the Chapel of Los Remedios, Church of Santa Clara, Chapel of the Third Order, Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Altagracia, Chapel of La Soledad, Chapel of the Rosary, First Evangelical Church and Hermitage of San Antón.
