Located in the historic Colonial district of Santo Domingo, the Museo de las Casas Reales (Museum of the Royal Houses) is a premier cultural monument in the Dominican Republic and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Housed in a 16th-century structure built by order of King Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1511, this landmark served as the first headquarters of Spanish power in the New World. Back then, administrative offices filled the twin interconnected buildings—and any trespassers faced a death sentence!
Today, you can explore one of Santo Domingo's most visited sites to discover the history, life, and customs of the Spanish colony's inhabitants. Walk through the original south section, which housed the Royal Audiencia (the New World's first court) and Comptroller General, and the north section, once used by Viceroys, Governors, and Captains-General. Inside, self-guided tours with multi-language portable audio speakers take you through sequential history.
Highlights to see include the Great Hall of the Governors, historical ceramics, the Chamber of the Chief Judge, and Trujillo's former office alongside an extensive arms and armor collection he purchased. It offers an essential, honest look at early colonial history.
What to see at Museo de las Casas Reales
- Explore the first headquarters of Spanish power built in the New World in 1511.
- See Rafael Trujillo's office and his extensive collection of purchased arms and armor.
- Tour two interconnected 16th-century buildings housing historical ceramics and military exhibits.
- Walk through historic spaces like the Royal Audiencia court, Chamber of the Chief Judge, and Great Hall of the Governors.
Visiting tips
Take advantage of the self-guided tour using the portable audio speakers available in various languages to learn the island's sequential history.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Museo de las Casas Reales is easy to reach on Santo Domingo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Alcázar de Colón. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Santo Domingo travel guide.
See the full Santo Domingo travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.