The Monument
For Dominicans residing overseas, as well as for tourists, Santiago has at least one conspicuous historical site: “El Monumento” (The Monument) – located in the heart of the city, and built to commemorate Dominican independence from Spain after that country’s war of restoration in 1863. This part of Santiago is also distinct, because it is located on the hilliest part of the city, offering panoramic views of the area’s diverse districts.
The Monumento area is a popular hangout spot for locals, complete with a string of bars and restaurants. A short walk away from El Monumento is the Hotel Matum, built during the infamous Trujillo dictatorship, and a virtual historic destination unto itself, since it was the site of a battle during that country’s civil war in 1965 (the walls of its reception area have an exhibition of photos from that event). With some claiming the hotel is still stuck in the past, it still attracts visitors interested in gambling at its casino.