Date of publication 23/08/2017
Cuba, Santo Domingo, Mexico and Jamaica A journey through the colonial architecture of the Caribbean
Five destinations that will make you fall in love with colonial style
HAVANA
If there’s one architectural style that defines and delights in the Caribbean, it’s the colonial. Colorful houses, baroque flourishes, and European influences blend harmoniously to create an atmosphere steeped in charm and history. No tour of its monumental sites would be complete without visiting Old Havana, one of the most charismatic neighborhoods in the world.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it showcases vibrant façades, grand arcades, and iconic landmarks, including its cathedral, a stunning example of Tuscan and Italian-inspired architecture.
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In the capital of Cuba, military architecture is both functional and strikingly beautiful. The castles of La Punta, El Príncipe, La Real Fuerza, and Los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro are older than most of Havana’s civilian buildings—and far more impressive.
MONTEGO BAY
In Montego Bay, the most prominent architectural influence is that of the English countryside, characterized by stately buildings, grand proportions, and a refined, understated elegance. One fine example is Rose Hall Estate, now converted into a golf course and a luxury hotel, yet still preserving its main house as a historic attraction.
Experience Jamaica’s colonial charm by staying at one of Iberostar’s 5-star hotels in Montego Bay.
The English influence in Jamaica remains evident to this day. It’s easy to find beachfront homes and seaside establishments that bring to mind the classic promenades of British towns such as Portsmouth or Brighton, blending English charm with a distinctly Caribbean atmosphere.
COLONIAL CITY (SANTO DOMINGO)
The Historic Center of Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, was the first permanent European settlement in the New World. Today, its rich heritage can be experienced by strolling through its cobblestone streets and UNESCO-listed monuments.
A must-see is the Alcázar de Colón, the oldest fortified palace in Latin America, which transports visitors back to the era when discovering America meant being fascinated by its natural beauty and raw materials.
The religious buildings of Santo Domingo, such as the Catedral Primada de América and the Convent of the Dominicans, are outstanding examples of architectural imagination and artistry. The Spanish Plateresque style, which shines in cities like Salamanca, reached these shores and adapted to local materials without losing its stunning elegance. Even the ruins of the Monastery of San Francisco captivate visitors with their scale and the grace of their arches and apses.
Altogether, it’s a perfect cultural excursion to complement the beaches of Punta Cana or Puerto Plata.
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts offers four beautiful all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, ideally located on the area’s best beaches, with entertainment and relaxation for every kind of traveler.
VALLADOLID (MEXICO)
Just 50 kilometers from Cancún lies Valladolid, one of the Spanish-founded towns that has best preserved its original layout and colonial architecture. Today, it stands as the ideal cultural destination for travelers seeking to combine the beaches of the Riviera Maya with the historical richness of inland Yucatán. Its charm lies in its colonial monuments and Castilian-style houses, which have been reinterpreted through Mexico’s vibrant colors and spirit.
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts offers 7 hotels in Riviera Maya, located between Playa del Carmen and Playa Paraíso, two of the area’s most stunning coastal spots.
When the warm colors give way to stone, a series of remarkable religious monuments come into view. The most prominent is the Church of San Gervasio, a grand basilica with slender towers that stands as a landmark in Valladolid. Also noteworthy is San Bernardino, a 16th-century temple whose architecture beautifully blends Franciscan and military styles, embodying both the spiritual and defensive legacy of the region.
TRINIDAD
Trinidad is a colonial dream come true. As the third city founded in Cuba, it quickly became one of the most prosperous trading hubs in the Antilles, thanks to its location between the sea and the mountains. Today, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the few towns in Latin America that preserve their colonial charm, architecture, and atmosphere in their entirety.
The Iberostar Grand Trinidad is an exclusive adults-only hotel (ages 15+), and one of the most refined accommodations in Cuba. It perfectly blends luxury, tradition, and culture, offering a sophisticated stay that reflects the elegance and heritage of this remarkable Cuban town.
TRINIDAD
There are several must-see spots for anyone visiting the city. The first is Plaza Carillo, where the Church of San Francisco de Paula, the Town Hall, and the Iberostar Grand Trinidad dominate the square with their grandeur. The second is Plaza Mayor, ruled by the Church of the Holy Trinity and home to the Museum of Colonial Architecture, offering a glimpse into the city’s elegant past.
But above all, the best thing to do is to get lost and not be found, to immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors, doors, and windows, where every turn reveals another world waiting to be discovered.
