Walking up a small cobble stone street, you will find what remains of the Monasterio de San Francisco. Construction of this, the first monastery of the Americas, started in 1508 after the arrival of the Franciscan fathers and was completed in 1560.

An earthquake in 1673 left the monastery in ruins. Today, as you explore these remains of another era you will find moss covered limestone and red brick walls, a half crumbled dome and a dramatic archway entrance which make this one of the most interesting sites in the Zona Colonial. Unfortunately, access inside the ruins is not so accessible to the public, but if you walk around the back there is a gate that is often open.

Every Sunday evening the ruins play host to a live concert of local music. Sit on your white plastic chair with your “bride dressed” Presidente and enjoy the sounds of merengue, salsa and bachata, a true Dominican celebration.