Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic, boasts many historical attractions one of which being theCathedral of Santa Maria la Menor.

The Cathedral has a coral-limestone facade.

It began its life in 1514 when Spanish workmen began its construction. It was not finished at this time as they left to search for gold in Mexico.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor was finally finished in 1540.

Its facade is composed of architectural elements from the late Gothic to the lavish plateresque style.

The high altar (inside) is made of hammered silver.

The Cathedral is the oldest existing settlement founded by Europeans in the western hemisphere.

Some historians believe that the remains of famed navigator Christopher Columbus rest in the cathedral.