In 1509, Nicolás de Ovando was removed as governor of the Indies and replaced with Diego Colón, the son of Christopher Columbus. Accompanying him was his wife, María de Toledo. She was the cousin of King Ferdinand II of Spain and the highest-ranking noblewoman in the Americas. Within a year, Diego Columbus commissioned an elaborate, 55 room residence. The project required the labor of 1,500 Taíno people. By 1514, the first palace of the New World was finished. This became the social epicenter of Santo Domingo, welcoming a long list of Spanish conquistadors and dignitaries. Descendants of Columbus lived here until 1577. Alcázar de Colón is the historical highlight at Spain Plaza (Plaza de España). Inside is the most visited museum in Santo Domingo. You can tour 22 restored rooms with colonial period furniture, including the couple’s bedrooms. The walls are covered with medieval and Renaissance artwork plus tapestries. The Museo Alcázar de Diego Colón is a must-see attraction.
