National Pantheon

The National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic is the mausoleum of the nation's heroes, located on historic Calle Las Damas in the Colonial Zone. Originally constructed as a Jesuit church in the 18th century, the imposing Baroque architecture building was converted in 1958 into the eternal resting place of the nation's founding fathers and prominent figures of Dominican history. The permanent honor guard, eternal flame, and reverent silence of the space create a solemn atmosphere contrasting with the bustling life of the surrounding Colonial Zone.

The building was constructed by Jesuits between 1714 and 1745 as a church. After Jesuit expulsion in 1767, it had various uses including theater, warehouse, and barracks. Dictator Rafael Trujillo converted it into a National Pantheon in 1958, where he originally planned to be buried himself. After his assassination in 1961, his remains were moved and the space began housing the nation's true heroes.