National Palace is the contemporary architecture highlight of the Dominican Republic. Its Neoclassical design was crafted by Guido D’Alessandro. This grand, 190,000 square foot edifice was commissioned by Dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina. Construction began in 1944 on the 100th anniversary of the country’s independence. Palacio Nacional was finished three years later. Beneath the 112 foot dome are the offices of the Executive Branch including the president and vice president. The National Palace is the epicenter of the central government’s Distrito Nacional (National District).
