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Tostado House

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Historical site
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Tostado House (Dominican Republic)

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The Tostado House (Casa de Tostado) in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo is one of the most elegant examples of early Spanish colonial domestic architecture. Built in the early 16th century for Francisco Tostado de la Peña, a renowned writer and imperial notary, the house is celebrated for its unique architectural features. Its most famous element is the twin Gothic window in the Elizabethan style (Isabelino), which is considered the only one of its kind surviving in the Americas. The building's design harmoniously blends late Gothic elements with Renaissance influences, showcasing the wealth and status of the colonial administrative class. Today, the house serves as the Museum of the 19th-Century Dominican Family, displaying period furniture, art, and everyday items that illustrate life in a later era. The well-preserved interior courtyard and massive stone walls offer an authentic glimpse into historical Santo Domingo. Having survived Francis Drake's raid in 1586, it remains a cornerstone of the city's UNESCO World Heritage status.

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
Tostado House in the Dominican Republic is a museum showing the Gothic twin window and historical exhibits. Visitors can explore the well-preserved interior of the building.
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Typical hours
The museum is typically open during the day, usually Tuesday to Sunday. Exact hours may vary seasonally, so local checking is recommended.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the house, but flash may be prohibited in the rooms with the Gothic windows. Respect the staff's instructions.
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Time needed
A visit typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, enough to see the main sights. If interested in architectural history, allow more time.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with other historic buildings in Santo Domingo's colonial zone. Nearby Casa del Cordón and the Cathedral are a short walk away.
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Getting there
Tostado House is located on Calle de las Damas, one of the oldest streets in the colonial zone. It's easily reachable on foot from Colón Park.
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Insider tip
Pay special attention to the unique Gothic twin window, found only here in the Americas. A late afternoon visit provides beautiful light for photos.

Geography

Coordinates
18.47100, -69.88500

Facts

  • Built in the early 16th century for Francisco Tostado
  • Features the only Elizabethan Gothic twin window in the Americas
  • Now houses the Museum of the 19th-Century Dominican Family
  • The original owner was killed during Francis Drake's 1586 attack
  • Located at the corner of Padre Billini and Arzobispo Meriño streets
  • It is a prime example of transition from Gothic to Renaissance style

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de BariRuins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari<1 km · EExplore →
Dominican Handicrafts CenterDominican Handicrafts Center2 km · SExplore →
Columbus LighthouseColumbus Lighthouse2 km · NExplore →
Eduardo Brito National TheaterEduardo Brito National Theater3 km · SExplore →
National Aquarium Santo DomingoNational Aquarium Santo Domingo4 km · NExplore →
Santo Domingo EsteSanto Domingo Este5 km · NExplore →
Santo DomingoSanto Domingo5 km · SExplore →
Santo Domingo NorteSanto Domingo Norte6 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tostado House (3)

Cathedral of Santo Domingo📍 landmark

First cathedral in the New World, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built in colonial style.

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santo Domingo📍 landmark

Seat of the Archbishop of Santo Domingo, the oldest diocese in the Americas.

Parque Colón📍 landmark

Central square in the colonial zone featuring a statue of Christopher Columbus, surrounded by historic buildings.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Casa de Tostado?
A magnificent 16th-century residence, famous for its rare Gothic double window.
Is the building used as a museum?
Yes, it houses the Museum of the 19th-Century Dominican Family.
Where is the house located?
At the corner of Calle Padre Billini and Calle Arzobispo Meriño in the Zona Colonial.
What are the opening hours?
Mostly Monday through Saturday, 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, the entrance fee is about 100 DOP.
Tostado House: where is it located?
Tostado House is located in Dominican Republic.
Tostado House: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santo Domingo, Parque Colón.
Tostado House: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Tostado House: why is it worth visiting?
The Tostado House (Casa de Tostado) in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo is one of the most elegant examples of early Spanish colonial domestic architecture.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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More places

Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari — Tostado House (Dominican Republic)
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The ruins of the first hospital built in the Americas.
Cathedral of Santo Domingo — Tostado House (Dominican Republic)
Cathedral of Santo Domingo
The first cathedral built in the Americas, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Ruins of the San Francisco Monastery — Tostado House (Dominican Republic)
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The ruins of the first monastery built in the Americas, located in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.
House of the Mint — Tostado House (Dominican Republic)
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Dominican Convent — Tostado House (Dominican Republic)
Dominican Convent
One of the oldest buildings in Santo Domingo and site of the first university in the Americas.
National Pantheon — Tostado House (Dominican Republic)
National Pantheon
A former Jesuit church converted into a mausoleum for the nation's heroes.
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Colonial Sundial
An 18th-century sundial in front of the Museum of the Royal Houses.
Museum of the Royal Houses — Tostado House (Dominican Republic)
Museum of the Royal Houses
A 16th-century palace that documents the history of the colonial period.