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Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge

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Landmark
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Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge (Dominican Republic)

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The Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge, commonly known as 'Puente de la 17', is one of the most critical transportation links in Santo Domingo. It spans the Ozama River, connecting the National District with the densely populated eastern sectors of the city, specifically Santo Domingo Este. The bridge was constructed in the 1970s to accommodate rapid urban growth and increasing vehicular traffic demand. It is named after Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic, highlighting its national significance. The structure is a steel truss bridge, noted for its robustness and characteristic lattice design. Tens of thousands of commuters use the bridge daily, making it a vital artery for the economic and social life of the metropolitan area. Despite its age, it remains a prominent landmark in the city's skyline over the Ozama River, witnessing decades of urban evolution.

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 Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge is a public road and pedestrian bridge, accessible without any ticket or admission fee. You can walk or drive across at any time, enjoying views of the northern parts of the capital and the Ozama River.
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Typical hours
As a public bridge, it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No specific visiting hours apply, but traffic may be heavy during peak hours.
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Photography
Photography is freely allowed from the pedestrian walkway and nearby viewpoints. The best shots are captured at sunrise or sunset, when the light is warm and the bridge is dramatically lit.
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Time needed
A walk across the bridge typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your pace. If you stop for photos and admire the views, plan for about 20-30 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with exploring the Colonial Zone or the Malecón in Santo Domingo. The nearby Ozama River waterfront also features a pleasant walk.
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Getting there
The bridge is easily reachable by car, taxi, or public bus from central districts. Parking is available on both sides, but finding a spot may be challenging during rush hours.
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Insider tip
Visit the bridge early on a weekend morning to avoid traffic and enjoy a quiet atmosphere. The pedestrian walkway features excellent panoramic views.

Geography

Coordinates
18.49830, -69.87530

Facts

  • Connects the neighborhoods of Gualey and Ensanche Ozama.
  • Inaugurated in 1974 during the administration of Joaquín Balaguer.
  • The nickname 'Puente de la 17' refers to the 17th street that leads to it.
  • The bridge has a total length of approximately 520 meters.
  • Constructed using massive steel beams in a truss configuration.
  • Plays a central role in the capital's public transportation network.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Juan Bosch BridgeJuan Bosch Bridge<1 km · SWExplore →
Obelisco MachoObelisco Macho2 km · SWExplore →
National Aquarium Santo DomingoNational Aquarium Santo Domingo3 km · NExplore →
Palace of Fine ArtsPalace of Fine Arts4 km · SExplore →
Santo Domingo EsteSanto Domingo Este4 km · NExplore →
Quisqueya Juan Marichal StadiumQuisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium5 km · SExplore →
Santo Domingo NorteSanto Domingo Norte7 km · SExplore →
Acrópolis CenterAcrópolis Center7 km · SExplore →

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 Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge (3)

Centro Abreu📍 landmark

Centro Abreu is a cultural center in Santo Domingo. It contains exhibition halls and event spaces.

Eduardo Brito metro station📍 landmark

Eduardo Brito metro station is a stop on the Santo Domingo Metro. It is located in the Ensanche Naco district.

Shooting of David Ortiz📍 landmark

The site of the shooting of David Ortiz in Santo Domingo. The incident occurred at a nightclub.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which districts does the bridge connect?
It connects northern Santo Domingo with Santo Domingo Este.
What is the popular name of the bridge?
It is locally often known as 'Puente de la 17'.
Can you cross the bridge on foot?
Yes, there are narrow sidewalks for pedestrians on both sides.
Which river does the bridge cross?
The bridge crosses the Ozama River.
Is there a lot of traffic on the bridge?
Yes, especially during morning and evening rush hours, traffic is heavy.
Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge: where is it located?
Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge is located in Dominican Republic.
Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge: what is there to see?
Highlights include Centro Abreu, Eduardo Brito metro station, Shooting of David Ortiz.
Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
The Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge, commonly known as 'Puente de la 17', is one of the most critical transportation links in Santo Domingo.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Juan Bosch Bridge — Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge (Dominican Republic)
Juan Bosch Bridge
A modern cable-stayed bridge spanning the Ozama River in the capital.
Santa Clara Monastery — Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge (Dominican Republic)
Santa Clara Monastery
The ruins and restored areas of one of the earliest nunneries in the Americas.
🗺️
San José Fort
A historic military bastion located along the colonial defensive wall.
Montesinos Monument — Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge (Dominican Republic)
Montesinos Monument
A colossal statue honoring the friar who preached against the abuse of indigenous people.
Santa Bárbara Fort — Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge (Dominican Republic)
Santa Bárbara Fort
A colonial-era fort that guarded the northern access to the old city.
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Church of El Carmen
A small, culturally significant colonial church in Santo Domingo.
Church of Regina Angelorum — Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge (Dominican Republic)
Church of Regina Angelorum
A beautiful example of colonial religious architecture in the historic center.
Church of Las Mercedes — Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge (Dominican Republic)
Church of Las Mercedes
A prominent historic church dedicated to the patron saint of the Dominican Republic.