Altos de Chavón - La Romana
Altos de Chavon is a 16th century replica of a Mediterranean village perched about 100 metres above the Chavón River. Sculpted entirely of stone, the village was designed by Dominican architect Jose Antonio Caro, and created by Italian master designer and cinematographer Roberto Coppa. Dominican artisans handcrafted the stone pathways, decorative ironwork, furniture and enchanting buildings, reviving almost forgotten crafts of metal work and stone carving.
Under Coppa's direction, each stone was hand cut, each wooden door frame was handcrafted and each wrought-iron detail hand-forged. Construction of the village began in 1976 and the village was inaugurated in 1982 with the concert of Frank Sinatra at the amphitheater. Altos de Chavon was built as a center of culture for the Dominican people.
Today, the village is a delightful place to tour for its charming medieval feel, its architecture, a plethora of cigar, clothing, and jewelry shops, fine dining, bars, and arts and crafts. Its centerpiece, the St. Stanislaus Church, is a popular wedding site in the DR, with its unmatched views over the river. To boot, the Altos de Chavón Archaeological Museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections on indigenous culture in the DR.
The Regional Museum of Archaeology (El Museo Arqueológico Regional) contains a collection of pre-Columbian Indian artifacts unearthed in the surrounding area. Altos de Chavón overlooks Rio Chavón and the Dye Fore golf course of Casa de Campo; both built by former Gulf+Western chairman Charles Bluhdorn.
The village is a cultural center for residents, tourists, and working artists from all over the world. Active studios for artists of every medium from pottery to weaving, silk screening, and everything in between line the cobblestone streets alongside shops and boutiques showcasing their unique creations.
The Art Gallery features works from noted Dominican artists, as well as artists from around the world which helps to foster a dialogue of creativity and cultural exchange. Altos de Chavón is also home to the renowned Altos de Chavón School of Design, which is affiliated with the Parsons School of Design in New York.
Altos de Chavón amphitheater
A Grecian / Roman-styled 5,000-seat Altos de Chavón amphitheater hosts hosts concerts and performances from major Dominican and international artists year-round - The Pet Shop Boys, Frank Sinatra, and Julio Iglesias to name a few — while Génesis nightclub provides a popular dance venue for guests from the Casa de Campo resort nearby.
The Concert for the Americas was held here in August 1982. Performers included Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, Heart and Santana. Aside from its 1982 inaugural event with Frank Sinatra live, past performances have included names ranging from Juan Luis Guerra and Shakira, to Sting and Elton John. Seeing a concert under the stars at Altos de Chavón is a bucket list item, whether visitor or resident.
The panoramic views over the Chavón River, and over the Dye Fore golf course which it borders on the east side, make Altos de Chavón a perfect photo stop on a journey through La Romana. There’s an entrance fee for non-guests of Casa de Campo, or you can book a tour of the village. At night, the setting becomes even more magical with romantic lighting on the stone plazas and dining verandas overlooking the river.
Reviews
You must visit here while in la Romana
Charming ,Romantic and very artistic! One of the most beautiful places to visit while in Romana or Casa de campo a tiny French Riviera .... this one is a must .
Tmirth
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Worth visiting, beautiful views
This ambitious project, a re-created medieval village, offers various experiences. First, the mesmerizing views of the Chavon River and forests around it. Second, the very realistic buildings which offer the feeling of being in a medieval setup. Third, the gigantic arena created for concerts and other events. You can also try the local museums, small but with some interesting information related to local culture.
mihaescuvlad
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Beautiful spot to visit
This place resembles a colonial town, is inside the premises of Casa de Campo, all the buildings are made in stone, there a lot to do and to see here. A very good variety of restaurants and cafes as well a convenience store and a couple of art galleries, but the jewel of the place is their concert hall, build as a Greek amphitheater.
If you are in Dominican Republic i strongly recommend to visit this place.
Nestor L
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Very pretty. Worth Visiting
Very pretty place to visit. our family did enjoy the walk and the nature. Nice people, nice restaurants. Costs $25 per person to visit this place (its part of a big and very wealthy community). once you pay the fee you can enjoy the Casa and also visit the Casa the Campo Marina - a MUST to see. This "hood" has its own school, theater, mall, shopping center, museum, fire department, marina, own restaurants, helipad, security, and 6 golf courses... all for the VERY WEALTHY, not just rich. lol. the marina had yachts from 36ft (for rent) to over 100ft mega yachts.
BobbyM007
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Beautiful
Visited this lovely place on route to the isle saona. Well what can I say absolutely beautiful.The view of the chavon river from outside the chapel was amazing. You can see why Micheal Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley there absolutely fantastic.
Brenda D
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A 16th Century Village
It's a recreation of a 16th century Mediterranean village that sits on top of a hill overlooking the Chavon River and Casa de Campo's PB Dye Fore golf course. Besides the old church the picturesque village boasts both a Mexican (La Cantina) and an Itlaian (Le Piazzetta) restaurant. Good food and nice views. The musical trio in the Italian restaurant was really amazing as dinner entertainment.
finz
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Great Restaurants Hidden in Old World Settings
This is a beautiful place hidden up high on the side of a cliff. The architecture is like traveling back in time to an era long gone by. The structures are beautiful in their simplicity and stonework. We enjoyed waking around and taking pictures and as evening approached, we enjoyed fine Italian dining as well as some smaller pub environments. As the sun goes down, the stars and moon lit the place up.
Jack1959
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scenes from middle age
if you have a day and want to visit La Romana, is a magic place. I will truly recommend, it seems a small village from Spain, lost in the time and in the map. Surrounded by magnificent views in a top of a hill you will find this little place with stone roads and cozy shops all over the places, nice local museums a huge amphitheater where international concerts are performed, here came Pavarotti and Sinatra, and is under the sky and the stars.
We went to a pizza place and it was tasteful, I do not remember the name but it has to be the most visited place in town. in the top of the hill, visit the local church. Architectonically nice and the entire place is built with an harmonic sense and good taste. Do not miss it.
tichita_23
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Charming
This place is very charming with amazing architecture. If you are going to go to Altos de Chvon, I personally recommend a tour guide so someone can explain the significance of what you are experiencing/seeing. Just walking through and not understanding what you're seeing does not do this place justice. I love historic buildings/places and was taken with this place.
Mari E
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Altos de Chavon - Go for Dinner or Lunch!
Altos de Chavón is a replica of a Mediterranean Fishing Village located above the Chavón River in La Romana, Dominican Republic. It is a beautiful display of old rustic construction with a lot of charm and elegance. This is a wonderful place to take pictures with fountains, Churches, Amphitheaters, restaurants and more.
People such as Frank Sinatra performed here. Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley were married here. Today stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony do concerts at the outdoor theater. Altos de Chavon is a prime location for weddings. An ideal location to watch both the sunrise and the sunset.
They have tours that show you the property. I recommend that you have a meal there. It is a lot of walking and over cobblestone. Not much is open for breakfast. More things for lunch. If you can make it here for dinner you should. I recommend just before sunset! This is a place everyone should see at least once in life! This is good for families, couples, people who like to take pictures, people who like landscapes, people who like selfies!
Bill C
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One of the most beautiful wedding venues I've ever experienced
Imagine exchanging vows in a 17th century Italian town overlooking verdant green tropical landscape and a beautiful, winding river. That's Altos de Chavon. The venue is stunning, and in our case, the bride and bridegroom were as beautiful as the surroundings. What a perfect place to marry!
KCMorris2013
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