The Dominican Republic commemorates today the 180th anniversary of its National Independence.
SANTO DOMINGO.-The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) yesterday delivered the restored historic Puerta de la Misericordia (Gate of Mercy), from where Matías Ramón Mella fired the shot that led to the proclamation of National Independence, on February 27, 1844, the date of which is commemorated this Tuesday, the 180th anniversary of the event that freed the country from Haitian domination.
Tourism Minister David Collado, accompanied by First Lady Raquel Arbaje, delivered the project located in the Colonial City, in whose renovation a sum exceeding 17 million pesos was invested, according to a press release.
Mitur explains that the intervention consisted of the restoration of the stone wall, cleaning and sanitation of the wall surfaces, replacement of the wall covering, recovery, expansion and adaptation of the platforms.
Also included is the renovation of garden areas, restoration of benches, installation of electric lighting, and general beautification of the entire surroundings.
“Today, one day before National Independence, we are here delivering this important work, the restoration of the Gate of Mercy, a true symbol of our freedom,” said Collado.
He stated that each of the projects carried out by the Ministry of Tourism and the World Development Bank in the Colonial City truly enhances the value of this destination in the Dominican capital.
The renovation of the Puerta de La Misericordia also included the formalization of planters and moats surrounding the archaeological remains, cleaning and upgrading the plaza's stormwater drainage system, and the creation of infiltration wells and storm drains. It also encompassed improvements to the electrical system and painting of the facades surrounding the plaza.
Regarding the reconstruction of the wall, the voussoir and impost of the central arch and the sentry box were restored; the brickwork of the dome was treated with a stringcourse. In addition, the 16th-century brickwork of the pediment was consolidated and restored.
The renovated work is part of the restoration work on several historical and cultural infrastructures in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, and includes the Alcázar de Colón Monument, as well as the facades of several architectural and religious heritage sites in the Colonial City (the Pantheon of the Fatherland and Museum of the Royal Houses; churches, chapels, sanctuaries).
This initiative is part of a program implemented by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Ministry of Tourism for the complete restoration and revitalization of Santo Domingo's historic Colonial City. The Ministry of Tourism announced the launch of this program in April of last year, with a projected investment of RD$116 million.
A bit of history
The construction of the Gate of Mercy dates back to 1543 and was symbolically built to represent the entrance to the city of Santo Domingo, which at that time was concentrated in what is now known as the Colonial City.
Originally known as the Santiago Gate or Great Gate, its name changed in 1842 after it served as a meeting point for city residents who gathered to pray for God's mercy following a powerful earthquake.
“The gate itself, with its segmental arch and skewed walls, is built of solid ashlar blocks, finished on the exterior by jambs and an arch with a curved profile resembling large moldings. Above the gate, facing what was the King's Savannah, there is a sentry box covered by a graceful dome that breaks the monotony of the straight volumes,” recounts the Spanish journalist, historian, and writer, María Ugarte.
