National Palace (Dominican Republic)

National Palace
Palacio Nacional (Spanish)
South façade of the Palacio Nacional (2016)
Interactive map of National Palace
General information
TypeOfficial residence
Architectural styleNeoclassical
LocationGazcue, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, 10205, Avenida México, esquina Calle Doctor Delgado, Dominican Republic
Coordinates18°28′27″N 69°53′52″W / 18.47417°N 69.89778°W / 18.47417; -69.89778
Construction startedFebruary 27, 1944 (1944-02-27)
CompletedAugust 16, 1947
Client
OwnerDominican State
Technical details
Floor area18,000 m2 (190,000 sq ft)
Design and construction
ArchitectGuido D'Alessandro
Website
palacionacional.gob.do

The Palacio Nacional (English: National Palace) is a building in Santo Domingo, that houses the offices of the executive branch (presidency and vice presidency) of the Dominican Republic.

History

Designed in a restrained neoclassical style by Italian architect Guido D'Alessandro at the behest of Rafael Trujillo, construction started on February 27, 1944—the centenary of Dominican independence—and was inaugurated on August 16, 1947. Occupying an area of 18,000 square metres and luxuriously appointed throughout, the National Palace is considered one of the most beautiful buildings built in the Dominican Republic.[1]

The building stands on the grounds of the former Presidential Mansion (Mansión Presidencial), built during the United States occupation of the Dominican Republic (1916–1924)

The Palace and mainly the Hall of the Caryatids was used for the new year's scene in The Godfather Part II where Michael confronts Fredo about his betrayal.[2]

References

  1. ^ Editora Hoy. Nuestros Monumentos: Album Educativo en el Año del V Centenario del Descubrimiento y Envangelización de América. Santo Domingo: Editora Hoy, [1992].
  2. ^ "El Padrino parte II". www.diariolibre.com. Retrieved 2016-03-18.