Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia
Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia
Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia
4.5
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This gothic-style chapel stands in Santo Domingo's Colonial District.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
356 reviews
Excellent
191
Very good
128
Average
29
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Kraig M
Annapolis, MD929 contributions
Nov 2022
Definitely a different architecture and materials than cathedrals I have visited in the past. Concrete (a VERY common construction material in DR) was used almost exclusively, not terribly atractive. Built 50 years ago, in opart to house a very special painting, it is the largest church in the islands. Definitely worth a stop but aesthetically challenged. Could do with a power wash...
You will be hit on by children looking for money. They ask that we not give in to that as they do not want visitors to "teach" them to beg. I broke the rule and it did cause some issues. In retrospect...I should have stuck to the rules.
You will be hit on by children looking for money. They ask that we not give in to that as they do not want visitors to "teach" them to beg. I broke the rule and it did cause some issues. In retrospect...I should have stuck to the rules.
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elina Michaelidou
London, UK585 contributions
Nov 2022
The basilica in Higuey has a very unique architecture. We had never seen a triangular-shaped church before, so it was well worth the trip from Punta Cana. When we got there, we had a look around the church, before getting in (free entry) and having a closer look at the icon of the Virgin Mary.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WS Long
Orlando, FL193 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
This is a beautiful church designed in the modern style, reminiscent of Le Corbusier. The church was designed by French architects, André Dunoyer de Segonzac and Pierre Dupré. It’s about two hours from Santo Domingo on a slow Saturday. Many pilgrims come to celebrate. There is a plaque commemorating Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1992.
Written December 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joao V
London, UK394 contributions
Oct 2022
Ask to see the old the church, believe me it is more beautiful that this very odd piece of architecture.
By the way, prepare yourself to pay at the to enter the church (just if you are a tourist)...very catholic.
It is a waste of time and ladies have to cover their legs (yes ladies only)
By the way, prepare yourself to pay at the to enter the church (just if you are a tourist)...very catholic.
It is a waste of time and ladies have to cover their legs (yes ladies only)
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelJunkie
4 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
The structure tells its own story. I’ve visited many churches and this far, this one is only second to the Vatican.
The details on the doors tell the history of the church ans the times. The interior is spectacular.
The area is safe and on the Basilica grounds, you feel at peace.
I will visit this church every time that I’m in the area!!
The details on the doors tell the history of the church ans the times. The interior is spectacular.
The area is safe and on the Basilica grounds, you feel at peace.
I will visit this church every time that I’m in the area!!
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
springbank
Greve, Denmark3,660 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
A huge nice Catholic Church with an even bigger park all around it. Excellent architecture and design. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia, patroness of the nation. The cathedral was raised to the honor of a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI on December 17, 1970. It was visited by Pope John Paul II during his visit to the country in 1992.
It is a solid construction which is built in cement and said without the use of a single nail or screw. Today people flock from all over the Dominican Republic to the cathedral every year on January 21 to worship and pray to the Virgin Maria. It is free of charge to enter.
It is a solid construction which is built in cement and said without the use of a single nail or screw. Today people flock from all over the Dominican Republic to the cathedral every year on January 21 to worship and pray to the Virgin Maria. It is free of charge to enter.
Written March 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean Scott McCracken
Boise, ID10 contributions
My intent was to get to Santo Domino as fast as possible from Punta Cana. Needed to catch a plane. Driver explained that taking the bus to Higuey in the next ten minutes was better than waiting around for the bus direct to Santo Domingo another 1.5 hr. Once in Higuey, buses run every 30 mins. Only two or three a day run out of Fruili, next to Punta Cana. I hear a taxi from Punta Cana to Santi Domingo is $200.
Anyways, what a surprise to see the cathedral out the bus window. I had seen the image passing by while googling DR. And the bus stopped right ok front of it. Rather than taking the next connection, decided this is a chance not to be missed. I schlepped my bags over and up the walk into the most beautiful modern chapel. Kitsch, and modern gothic at once. A New Year's Day Mass was in service. I was embraced by the believers at intervals, and wooed with Latin chants.
If you find yourself lost to the pressures of travel and the excesses of vacation, a sanctuary such as this is a haven of solace.
Anyways, what a surprise to see the cathedral out the bus window. I had seen the image passing by while googling DR. And the bus stopped right ok front of it. Rather than taking the next connection, decided this is a chance not to be missed. I schlepped my bags over and up the walk into the most beautiful modern chapel. Kitsch, and modern gothic at once. A New Year's Day Mass was in service. I was embraced by the believers at intervals, and wooed with Latin chants.
If you find yourself lost to the pressures of travel and the excesses of vacation, a sanctuary such as this is a haven of solace.
Written January 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph R
Toronto, Canada6 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
We stayed at Dreams Punta Cana and wanted to make our way to Higuey but not through a tour company. Luckily there was a bus stop right outside our hotel that would take us right to the Basilica.
The local bus system in punta cana is very simple but a great way to experience how locals live, we waited about 20 min at the stop but finally this little van like bus came by to pick us up. We where the only locals on the bus and it got quite full after a few stops. The 45 min drive allowed us to see the great scenary that punta cana has to offer. And all for just 100 pesos each way
Once we got into Higuey I noticed an individual that came on the bus at one stop and had tour guide on his back. He helped us get off the right stop for the basilica and offered his servies for the day. For 1000 pesos he took me and my friend all around the city and to the basilica and the old church as well. It was a bit pricey for just two people but to be honest with you, this was money well spent as our worries about getting around and even getting back to our hotel where all eliminated. We got so see the amazing Basilica, got to walk through the local market (which was absolutley amazing, alot of cultureshock here folks). We were the only tourist here, we did not see one tour group the entire day. We even visited a local eatry that seems quite popular with the locals....I pointed it out and asked our tour guide Jesus if we could eat there, this was not problem, he helped us order and we tried some of what they had to offer......but do this at your own risk as your stomach may not agree with the food. If you have a strong stomach and have tested your ability to eat street food abroad then this might be a good experience for you....otherwise stay away.
Visiting Higuey like a local and walking around the town like a local really did help me get a great vibe of this wonderfully unique town and what local living was really like.
The local bus system in punta cana is very simple but a great way to experience how locals live, we waited about 20 min at the stop but finally this little van like bus came by to pick us up. We where the only locals on the bus and it got quite full after a few stops. The 45 min drive allowed us to see the great scenary that punta cana has to offer. And all for just 100 pesos each way
Once we got into Higuey I noticed an individual that came on the bus at one stop and had tour guide on his back. He helped us get off the right stop for the basilica and offered his servies for the day. For 1000 pesos he took me and my friend all around the city and to the basilica and the old church as well. It was a bit pricey for just two people but to be honest with you, this was money well spent as our worries about getting around and even getting back to our hotel where all eliminated. We got so see the amazing Basilica, got to walk through the local market (which was absolutley amazing, alot of cultureshock here folks). We were the only tourist here, we did not see one tour group the entire day. We even visited a local eatry that seems quite popular with the locals....I pointed it out and asked our tour guide Jesus if we could eat there, this was not problem, he helped us order and we tried some of what they had to offer......but do this at your own risk as your stomach may not agree with the food. If you have a strong stomach and have tested your ability to eat street food abroad then this might be a good experience for you....otherwise stay away.
Visiting Higuey like a local and walking around the town like a local really did help me get a great vibe of this wonderfully unique town and what local living was really like.
Written December 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberta R
West Point VA24 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
We hired a driver to take us through the country side to view the local culture and scenery. The Basilica de Higuey is a sight to behold. They guides will tell you about the symbolic architecture and the years it took to build. One can stand in awe inside and out and soak in the enormous doors, carvings, and statues. This cathedral houses a beautiful Madonna painting called "Our Lady of Altagracia". It is one of the most beautiful and spiritually moving pieces I have had the honor to see. The town square has the old basilica which was built in 1512. See that one first and take in the uneven stone floors and mahogany rails and statues, then go to the new one.
Also tour the market place which has some of the best smells in the herb sections. The aromas were great. All types of fruits, veggies, rice and beans! If you have a weak stomach avoid the meat section. Educational and worth the trip through....just hold your breath!
Street venders were all throughout with their wares and ate some of the best food from the street carts, also drank sugar cane water squeezed directly from the cane as we were standing there. Ask for a lime to squeeze in it as it is really sweet. Lime cuts the sweetness and makes it delightful!
Also tour the market place which has some of the best smells in the herb sections. The aromas were great. All types of fruits, veggies, rice and beans! If you have a weak stomach avoid the meat section. Educational and worth the trip through....just hold your breath!
Street venders were all throughout with their wares and ate some of the best food from the street carts, also drank sugar cane water squeezed directly from the cane as we were standing there. Ask for a lime to squeeze in it as it is really sweet. Lime cuts the sweetness and makes it delightful!
Written June 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Primoz S
Ljubljana, Slovenia163 contributions
Mar 2017
Each time when I pass to Punta Cana I stop by to Basilica. It's amazing place, with strong energy. Good organization all around. They offer you guided tour, or even a photographer to make for you some nice photos. Park which surrounds the Cathedral is also amazing. But inside... just uauuu. You have to get to this place and fill it.
Written March 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CMF568
Portsmouth, NH292 contributions
Anyone ever get public transportation from parque National del este or punta Cana? We’re staying at hard rock and also in bayahibe before going to hard rock so wondering if we could get to basilica on the way without a rental car and what the cost would be
SHEPHECJ
Topsham, UK377 contributions
hi - we had a taxi.
paulak22
Demotte, IN47 contributions
Hello Sandy
My husband and I would like to rent a car and drive to the Basilica when we travel in April. This is our first trip to the Dominican Republic. Would you suggest we hire a driver instead? We are staying at Majestic. Thank you for your help.
Sandi J
6 contributions
We had a car because we flew in and out of Snto Domingo and needed the car to get to Punta Cana. We didn't want to take the bus and it was cheaper than to take a cab. We had no problems with driving. We GPS'd it before we left the resort so we knew where to go. You can't miss the church steeple. We parked in the church lot, we had no problems.
Cuales son los horarios exsactamente los dÃas d semanas y donde se cumplen las promesas
Norma J
Pittsburgh, PA
My daughter is getting married in Punta Cana on July 23rd. (Civil Ceremony). Is there anyway to obtain a blessing for the couple at the Basilica?
Norma J
Pittsburgh, PA
Planning on booking a group of rooms for a wedding week of July 19th. Are there any wedding times available for Thursday, July 23rd? Could someone please send us wedding packages?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia
- Hotels near Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia:
- (0.12 mi) El Naranjo Hotel
- (0.25 mi) Habitel Hotel
- (0.29 mi) Hotel Don Carlos
- (0.29 mi) La Piazzetta Villas Beach Club & SPA
- (0.30 mi) Melina Hotel
- Restaurants near Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia:
- (0.13 mi) Brens Ice Rolls
- (0.16 mi) El Patio de Minerva Herrera
- (0.17 mi) Centro de Mariscos La Delicia
- (0.19 mi) Horneado Del Domingo
- (0.22 mi) EcoBar & Lounge