Calle Las Damas was laid out in 1502 under governor Nicolás de Ovando and is widely cited as the oldest paved street in the Americas, named for the ladies of Vicereine María de Toledo's court who reportedly strolled it in the evenings. Colonial-era buildings line both sides, now split between government offices, hotels and small museums.
It runs from Fortaleza Ozama up toward Plaza de España, so it is an easy spine to walk between several other sights.
Local tip: Walk it at golden hour – the light on the old façades is better than at midday.
Good to know
- Where: C. Las Damas, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic
- City: Santo Domingo
Plan your visit to Santo Domingo