Santo Cerro ~ Dominican Republic travel pictures
Iglesia Las Mercedes, Columbus relic, Valle de Cibao, pottery
Santo Cerro, with the Iglesia Las Mercedes and the relic from Columbus times, is located between the Dominican Republic north and south coasts, overlooking the Valle de Cibao. Santo Cerro is about 25 kms (15.5 miles) south of Santiago (see waterfalls), just north of La Vega. Whether you are staying in one of the beaches resorts in Puerto Plata or in Santo Domingo, these mountainous Central Highlands are a good day trip. What I most enjoy about these Dominican towns and cities is that they offer you a look at where the Dominicans live, away from the resorts. Ask for tours brochures and information at any hotel or travel agency, or consider renting a car. Roads are generally good, though in rainy season, this can change fast. You can also hire a cab (cab rates are usually set for destination, rather than distance traveled, so settle on a fare before you get in). See also Dominican Republic information.
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 At Santo Cerro, Outside Iglesia Las Mercedes
Christopher Columbus and his brother left footprints all over this part of Hispaniola, in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
C. Columbus placed a wooden cross, a gift from his Queen, at this church, Iglesia Las Mercedes. The relic is no longer here, and thought to be privately owned.
Santo Cerro, which means 'Holy Hill' in Spanish, offers wonderful views to the expansive and ferile Valle de Cibao. |
 Iglesia Las Mercedes
The Virgin Mary is said to have made an appearance many years ago at Iglesia Las Mercedes. Local Indians tried to burn the cross during a battle, but thanks to Her holy protection, it would not catch fire. From the courtyard on the far side, on a clear day, you can see north many miles across the valley, to the ocean and Puerto Plata. |
 Inside the Church of Las Mercedes
When this church was built in 1860, on the site of the original church, the builders left this 'Santo Hoyo' (Holy Hole) to mark where the cross had been planted in 1490. At the time of my visit, there were several parish members inside. Though there wasn't a service in progress, they did appear to be involved in something church-related, so we left after a quick look into the hole.
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For more information, check a good guidebook. I took along the Lonely Planet Dominican Republic and Haiti, as I was continuing on to Haiti.
You can get one just for the Dominican Republic. Save some money by picking up an out of date guide books at book sales, etc, as the basic history and geography doesn't change much. |
 Valle de Cibao View from Church Courtyard
Thunderstorms (you can see the clouds building up) had been rolling through on a daily basis, but never lasted long. From this perspective, you have some indication of how high the church is from the valley floor.
On the highway back to Puerto Plata, we felt as if we were driving through Jurassic Park -- lots of jungle underbrush, palm trees and exotic flowers.
There is amber to be found in the Dominican Republic, especially in this area on the (northern) Amber Coast. |
 Santiago area Flower Farms
Enroute to Santo Cerro, we came through this region where there are many commercial flower growing operations producing cut flowers for export. One U.S. airline operates daily direct cargo flights just for the blooms for the American market. |
 At the Domincan Potters' Fair
Anywhere you go in the Puerto Plato-Santiago area, you will find shops selling pottery and ceramics. The shops also sell Dominican and Haitian arts and crafts, including wood carvings. |
 Dominican Republic Pottery 'By The Yard-full'
Though quite lovely and inexpensive, larger ceramic pieces are difficult to carry home. However, if I ever buy a small home here, I know where to come for all manner of pots and planters. Inside the shop, there's a decent selection of smaller pieces that would make nice souvenirs. Fridge magnets always go over well, or bottle stoppers, and they are so easy to tuck into a suitcase. |
 Shaping Pottery by Hand
This young woman was one of a number of potters working in a covered area behind the gift shop.
Large packages of raw clay and kilns took up the rest of the space.
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 Dominican Pottery Souvenirs
The exterior becomes a gallery displaying finished pieces. This quiet stop is a nice way to wind down the long and busy day. From here, the road back to Puerto Plata wound down the mountains, past the end-of-day roadside stands where vendors sold locally-made baseball-size white cheese.
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