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House of the Mint

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Historical site
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House of the Mint (Dominican Republic)

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The House of the Mint (Casa de la Moneda) in Santo Domingo is a superb example of 16th-century Plateresque architecture in the Americas. Built around 1540, the building is most famous for its magnificent stone portal, which features five medallions carved in relief. These medallions depict male faces at different stages of life and are surrounded by intricate stonework characteristic of the Spanish Renaissance. Despite its popular name, there is no definitive historical evidence that the building actually functioned as an official mint for the Spanish Crown; rather, it is believed to have been the residence of a wealthy colonial family. The facade showcases the artistic ambition and status of the early settlers, bringing European Plateresque elegance to the New World. The interior follows the traditional layout of a colonial manor with a central courtyard. Carefully restored, the building is a key part of the UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone and serves as a reminder of Santo Domingo's early economic and administrative significance.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525262727282828272625
Rain mm242122406848556860646842

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The House of the Mint in the Dominican Republic is open to the public and can be visited inside. It hosts exhibitions on the history of the first coin minting in the Americas.
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Typical hours
Opening hours typically follow standard museum hours, usually Tuesday through Sunday. Exact times may vary, so checking locally is advisable.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash may be prohibited in some exhibition rooms. Pay attention to signs and respect the rules.
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Time needed
A visit typically lasts about one hour, depending on interest in the exhibits. Allow extra time if you want to read the detailed information panels.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk through the old town of Santo Domingo. Nearby are the Cathedral, the Alcázar de Colón, and the Ozama Fortress.
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Getting there
The House of the Mint is located in the historic colonial zone of Santo Domingo, walking distance from Colón Park. Taxis and hop-on-hop-off buses are good transport options.
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Insider tip
Get a combined ticket for multiple museums in the colonial zone in advance if available. Early morning is the best time to avoid crowds.

Geography

Coordinates
18.47300, -69.88400

Facts

  • Built around 1540 in the colonial city of Santo Domingo
  • Famous for its Plateresque portal featuring 5 stone medallions
  • The medallions depict male faces representing stages of life
  • Likely a private residence rather than an official mint
  • The building is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Located near the Plaza María de Toledo in the Colonial Zone

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PekepolisPekepolis3 km · SExplore →
National Aquarium Santo DomingoNational Aquarium Santo Domingo4 km · NExplore →
National CongressNational Congress4 km · SExplore →
Santo Domingo EsteSanto Domingo Este5 km · NExplore →
Santo DomingoSanto Domingo5 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town House of the Mint (3)

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santo Domingo📍 landmark

Catholic archdiocese in Santo Domingo, overseeing the region's church affairs.

Cathedral of Santo Domingo📍 landmark

Cathedral in Santo Domingo, the oldest cathedral in the Americas, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Parque Colón📍 landmark

Square in central Santo Domingo, featuring a statue of Christopher Columbus.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the historical significance of this house?
It housed the first mint in the Americas, established in the 16th century under Spanish rule.
Can the building be visited inside?
Yes, it often serves as a museum or exhibition space today, with hours varying by season.
Where is the Casa de la Moneda located?
It is located on Calle Las Mercedes in the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo.
Are there guided tours available?
Local guides in the Zona Colonial often offer explanations of the house's history.
What is the most striking architectural feature?
The Plateresque Renaissance stone portal featuring Charles V's coat of arms is particularly noteworthy.
House of the Mint: where is it located?
House of the Mint is located in Dominican Republic.
House of the Mint: what is there to see?
Highlights include Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santo Domingo, Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Parque Colón.
House of the Mint: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
House of the Mint: why is it worth visiting?
The House of the Mint (Casa de la Moneda) in Santo Domingo is a superb example of 16th-century Plateresque architecture in the Americas.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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More places

Cathedral of Santo Domingo — House of the Mint (Dominican Republic)
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The first cathedral built in the Americas, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
National Pantheon — House of the Mint (Dominican Republic)
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A former Jesuit church converted into a mausoleum for the nation's heroes.
Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari — House of the Mint (Dominican Republic)
Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari
The ruins of the first hospital built in the Americas.
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Colonial Sundial
An 18th-century sundial in front of the Museum of the Royal Houses.
Museum of the Royal Houses — House of the Mint (Dominican Republic)
Museum of the Royal Houses
A 16th-century palace that documents the history of the colonial period.
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Tostado House
A 16th-century house with the only Gothic twin window in the Americas, now a museum.
Casa del Cordón — House of the Mint (Dominican Republic)
Casa del Cordón
Considered the oldest surviving European-style stone house in the Americas.
Ruins of the San Francisco Monastery — House of the Mint (Dominican Republic)
Ruins of the San Francisco Monastery
The ruins of the first monastery built in the Americas, located in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.