Dominican National Pantheon 🇩🇴

Built between 1714 and 1746 by Spaniard Geronimo Quezada y Garçon, the National Pantheon in Santo Domingo is a striking neoclassic-renaissance structure with a fascinating past. Originally functioning as a Jesuit church where mass was held until 1767, the building underwent several transformations over the centuries. It served as a tobacco warehouse, housed the theaters Amantes de las Letras and La Republicana from 1860 to 1917, and later accommodated governmental offices until 1956.

That year, Spanish architect Javier Borroso renovated the building by order of dictator Rafael Trujillo to create a national mausoleum. Although Trujillo originally envisioned being interred here himself, today the National Pantheon stands as a proud national symbol of the Dominican Republic and the final resting place for its most honored citizens—ironically including Trujillo's assassins. As you explore this historic site, you will see where revered figures are buried, including national leaders, military heroes, authors, and educators.

Notable individuals laid to rest here include Concepción Bona, who helped design the national flag, Emilio Prud'Homme and José Rufino Reyes y Siancas, who created the national anthem, as well as prominent historical figures like Gregorio Luperón, Salomé Ureña, and Socorro Sánchez del Rosario.

What to see at Dominican National Pantheon

• Marvel at the neoclassic-renaissance architecture constructed between 1714 and 1746
• Explore a historic site that served as a Jesuit church, tobacco warehouse, theater, and government offices
• Pay tribute at the final resting place of the Dominican Republic's most honored national citizens
• See the burial sites of anthem creators Emilio Prud'Homme and José Rufino Reyes y Siancas
• Visit the resting place of notable historical figures, including dictator Rafael Trujillo's assassins

Visiting tips

Take time to quietly reflect on the graves of pivotal historical figures who shaped Dominican history, art, and independence.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Dominican National Pantheon is easy to reach on Santo Domingo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Alcázar de Colón and Museo de las Casas Reales. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Santo Domingo travel guide.