Built in the early 1500's by Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus, the castle of Alcazar de Colon has 40-inch-thick coral-limestone walls. The Italian Renaissance-style structure, with its balustrade and double row of arches, has strong Moorish, Gothic, and Isabelline influences. The 22 rooms are furnished in a style to which the viceroy of the island would have been accustomed.
The castle stands as a tribute to explorers and nations who helped settle the New World. Diego Columbus was not only the first resident, but also the city's first governor. After him, the castle went on to greet other famous explorers: Ponce de Leon and Balboa among them. Today, the palace welcomes modern explorers with an array of period artifacts and artwork from the era of Spanish Colonialism. The castle comprises of two rectangular floors, two wings joined by a central corridor and two galleries. In 1770 the building was abandoned. Attempts were made to turn it into a prison, but none were successful. In 1809 and 1835 major landslides collapsed parts of the building, but in 1957, it was restored by stonemasons to its present condition. It is open to the public for tours while there on vacation. Check ahead for pricing. For more information (in Spanish) and photos, click here.
The castle stands as a tribute to explorers and nations who helped settle the New World. Diego Columbus was not only the first resident, but also the city's first governor. After him, the castle went on to greet other famous explorers: Ponce de Leon and Balboa among them. Today, the palace welcomes modern explorers with an array of period artifacts and artwork from the era of Spanish Colonialism. The castle comprises of two rectangular floors, two wings joined by a central corridor and two galleries. In 1770 the building was abandoned. Attempts were made to turn it into a prison, but none were successful. In 1809 and 1835 major landslides collapsed parts of the building, but in 1957, it was restored by stonemasons to its present condition. It is open to the public for tours while there on vacation. Check ahead for pricing. For more information (in Spanish) and photos, click here.
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