Named Santiago by Christopher Columbus, after 30 Spanish aristocrats founded the city in 1495 forming the original community. Santiago was traditionally the country’s main agricultural hub. Today Santiago is the second most important and urban city in the Dominican Republic.
It is located in the province of Santiago, Santiago de los Caballeros is the second city of the Dominican Republic, on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. This city, which is one of the oldest in the country, is home to some 600,000 inhabitants. Of the 70 km2 of metropolitan area 36 km2 are urbanized. Santiago de los Caballeros is integrated in the center of the Cibao Valley and is the economic and cultural center of the region, predominantly the textile manufacturing sector, rum and tobacco production, agriculture and services.
The Dominican Republic’s second largest city, Santiago has evolved into a modern, cosmopolitan center for culture, industry and services. Learn all about Caribbean and Dominican culture and art at Centro León, one of the region’s most active museums and cultural centers.
Santiago’s Hospital Metropolitano has a reputation for high quality health care at relatively low prices.
A university city that boasts a vibrant nightlife, Santiago has more than 100 discos, bars and lounges – most located in its downtown area. Dance the night away. Santiago is also home to the Aguilas Cibaeñas baseball team. The Cibao International Airport is located 15 minutes from the center of Santiago.