Ciudad Colonial in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic — Caribbean Region of the Americas (Hispaniola, Greater Antilles, West Indies)
The Plaza of the Priests
La Plazoleta de los Curas
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, January 16, 2016
1. The Plaza of the Priests Marker
La llamada Plazoleta de los Curas es el recinto abierto de la antigua Claustra o claustro de la misma Catedral, trazada en 1541 por el Reverendísimo Licenciado Don Alonso de Fuenmayor, obispo de esta Diócesis Primada, Presidente a la vez de nuestra Real Audiencia y Chancillería, y luego primer arzobispo del Arzobispado de Santo Domingo.
En su entorno fueron construidas algunas viviendas para uso de los ilustres Miembros del Excelentísimo Cabildo Eclesiástico. Fue utilizada como cementerio y restaurado en el año de 1969.
Tres Arquillos tenía la Plazoleta de los Curas, cuyas rejas respectivas se abrian cada mañana, al amanecer, y se cerraban al atardecer del crepúsculo de cada día.
Uno daba hacia la calle de la fortaleza que, desdichadamente, desapareció no ha mucho tiempo. De los dos que aún Subsisten, abrían el camino para ir los canónigos y racioneros que habitaban en dicha Plazoleta a ocupar sus cátedras en el Colegio Mayor de Hernando de Gorjón o a refrescarse en un paseo vespertino por la Alameda cercana al mar.
The so-called Plaza of the Priests is the open grounds of the
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In the same area houses were built that were used by the distinguished members of the Ecclesiastical Council. It was also used as a cemetery and renovated in 1969.
The Plaza of the Priests originally had three small arched entryways, whose respective gates were opened each morning at sunrise and closed at sunset daily.
The arch facing the street to the fortress, unfortunately, has disappeared not long ago. Of the two that still remain, they were used by the priests who lived in the small square to take their places at the University of Hernando de Gorjón or to cool off on an afternoon walk along the road near the sea.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1541.
Location. 18° 28.36′ N, 69° 53.026′ W. Marker is in Ciudad Colonial, Distrito Nacional, in Santo Domingo. Marker can be reached from Calle Isabel la Católica close to Calle Padre Billini. The marker is along the southern wall of the plaza when entering into the grounds of the First Cathedral of the Americas (Catedral Primada
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, January 16, 2016
2. The Plaza of the Priests Marker
One of the arched entryways can be seen directly to the right of the marker.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Founding of the Listín Diario (within shouting distance of this marker); Cathedral of Santo Domingo, First of the Americas (within shouting distance of this marker); Francisco X. Billini (within shouting distance of this marker); Pope John Paul II's 1979 Visit to Santo Domingo (within shouting distance of this marker); The Church and Convent of Santa Clara (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); First City Hall in the Americas (about 90 meters away); Diego Caballero House (about 120 meters away); Borgellá's Palace (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ciudad Colonial.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, January 16, 2016
3. Remaining arched entryway
The second remaining arched entryway to the west of the plaza. To the left is the 'Cathedral of Santo Domingo, First of the Americas' marker.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, January 16, 2016
4. Bust of Archbishop Meriño (1833-1906)
This bust of Archbishop Fernando Antonio Arturo de Meriño y Ramírez is in the plaza near the entryway to the Cathedral.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, January 16, 2016
5. Additional marker dedicated to the Cathedral´s conservation
This additional marker further west down the wall thanks current and historical people that have contributed to the conservation of the Cathedral. It reads:
La Sociedad Amor a La Ciudad
Afiliada al Consejo Nacional de Mujeres, Inc. Rinde homenaje de reconocimiento a los hombres que han contribuido a la conservación de nuestro magno templo, La Catedral Primada de America particularmente a Pbro. Francisco X. Billini Hernandez, Mons. Adolfo Alejandro Novel Bobadilla, Ing. Arq. Alfredo J. Scaroina Montuori, Arq. Eugenio Perez Montas y Su Emcia. Rvdma. Nicola de Jesus Cardenal Lopez Rodriguez.
1995, Año del 483 aniversario de la erección de la Catedral
Afiliada al Consejo Nacional de Mujeres, Inc. Rinde homenaje de reconocimiento a los hombres que han contribuido a la conservación de nuestro magno templo, La Catedral Primada de America particularmente a Pbro. Francisco X. Billini Hernandez, Mons. Adolfo Alejandro Novel Bobadilla, Ing. Arq. Alfredo J. Scaroina Montuori, Arq. Eugenio Perez Montas y Su Emcia. Rvdma. Nicola de Jesus Cardenal Lopez Rodriguez.
1995, Año del 483 aniversario de la erección de la Catedral
Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 300 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 19, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 5. submitted on February 24, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
