Altos de Chavón — Attraction in La Romana

A Hidden Mediterranean Village in the Heart of the Caribbean. Perched above the winding Chavón River, Altos de Chavón feels like stepping into another world where time slows down and stone-paved streets tell stories of art, music, and culture. Designed in the late 1970s as a tribute to 16th-century Mediterranean villages, this one-of-a-kind place was brought to life by Dominican architect José Antonio Caro and Italian designer Roberto Coppa. Built entirely by local artisans using limestone, handcrafted wood, and wrought iron, every corner of the village carries the warmth and pride of its makers.

Visitors enter through the gates of Casa de Campo, the private resort that surrounds Altos de Chavón. Guests of the resort can access the village freely, while outside visitors pay an entry fee that typically ranges from 25 to 50 dollars per person, depending on what’s included. Once inside, you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops, galleries, and cafés, along with stunning views of the river valley below. One of the most visited spots is the small but beautiful St. Stanislaus Church, where a relic from the saint himself, ashes sent by Pope John Paul II, rests behind the altar.

At the heart of the village is the amphitheater, a 5,000-seat open-air venue carved into the hillside. Since its grand opening concert in 1982 featuring Frank Sinatra, the stage has welcomed some of the world’s biggest performers including Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Juan Luis Guerra, Sting, Plácido Domingo, Luis Miguel, and Marc Anthony. With its impressive acoustics and dramatic backdrop, the amphitheater offers a unique concert experience under the stars.

Altos de Chavón also offers several excellent dining options. Alegría serves a varied menu with breathtaking views of the river, with favorites like lobster rice, croquetas, and perfectly grilled churrasco. Onno’s Café, just steps from the amphitheater, is a laid-back spot popular for cocktails and quick bites. Other notable places include Chilango Taquería for tacos, La Piazzetta for Italian dishes, and Dye Fore Bar for drinks with a panoramic view. It’s important to note that after 5 p.m., non-resort guests are not allowed to dine in the village unless invited by someone staying in Casa de Campo, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting for the day.

Parking is simple and close to the entrance, especially near Onno’s. The village is best explored on foot, but wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestone paths can be uneven. Arriving early in the day allows for a quieter visit and the best photo opportunities, while sunset brings a magical glow over the river valley that’s hard to forget.

Altos de Chavón also houses a fascinating archaeological museum with thousands of artifacts from pre-Columbian cultures. For those interested in hands-on experiences, there are art studios offering pottery, weaving, and silkscreen workshops. The village is home to a prestigious design school affiliated with Parsons, making it a creative hub where you’re just as likely to meet students sketching as tourists exploring.

On certain weekends, you might stumble upon a local artisan market, with live music and handcrafts adding even more charm to an already special visit. Concert nights bring the village to life, and if you plan ahead, attending a show at the amphitheater is an unforgettable highlight.

Altos de Chavón isn’t just a tourist attraction. It’s a carefully crafted escape filled with beauty, history, and inspiration. Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the art, the music, or the peaceful atmosphere, this hilltop village offers a glimpse into something truly timeless in the heart of the...

A place that is full of peace, I can say that I loved every stone, every house with its brick roofs, the warmth with which the people who live and / or work there treat others, regardless of whether you are a local tourist or a foreign tourist I lived my beautiful experience in Altos de Chavón not only as a visit of a moment or a few hours to just see or take photos, because I had the great fortune of staying in one of the apartments that are there and the truth is that one feels Who wants to stay and live in that place. Walking on each of the trails feels tranquility, trails that, by the way, feel loaded with a magical air, as well as even romantic, and that is that far from the noise of the city as not finding everything magical, there is a security to walk regardless of the time, you can leave valuable things outside the apartments and you are sure that you will not lose, it really looks like another world within the Dominican Republic. And if this place becomes beautiful during the day, at night it is that the magic is really appreciated, the lights, the decoration, the nature, the views, even its bars and restaurants are in absolute harmony with the whole environment.

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Un lugar que llena de paz, puedo decir que amé cada piedra, cada casa con sus techos de ladrillo, la calidez con la que las personas que allí viven y/o trabajan tratan a los demás, sin importar que seas un turista local o un turista extranjero. Mi linda experiencia en Altos de Chavón la viví no solo como una visita de un momento o de unas horas para solo ver o tomar fotos, pues tuve la grandiosa fortuna de alojarme en unos de los apartamentos que están ahí y la verdad es que uno siente que quiere quedarse a vivir en ese lugar. Caminando por cada uno de los senderos se siente la tranquilidad, senderos que, por cierto, se sienten cargados de un aire mágico, así como hasta románticos, y es que lejos del ruido de la ciudad como no encontrar todo mágico, hay una seguridad al caminar sin importar la hora, puedes dejar cosas de valor hasta afuera de los apartamentos y tienes la certeza de que no se va a perder, realmente parece otro mundo dentro de República Dominicana. Y si este lugar se torna hermoso durante el día, en las noches es que la magia realmente se aprecia, las luces, la decoración, la naturaleza, las vistas, hasta sus bares y restaurantes están en armonía absoluta con todo...

I had a lot of fun driving around and visiting this place. I've always wanted to go—it's been on my list for some time—but we finally made it. The front desk was very busy when we arrived; it was mid-afternoon, and shuttles were bringing people in to check in, so we had to wait a good hour in line. While we were waiting, I asked the security guard for information about the process to visit Altos de Chavón, and he was quite knowledgeable and very kind. Armed with that information, we continued waiting in line. When it was finally our turn, the check-in process was really quick. We paid, got our receipts, and the gentleman at the desk explained the route and what to do using a map that we got to keep. It costs $50 per person, and you can stay there until 5 or 6 PM.

The atmosphere of Altos de Chavón is truly magical. The cobblestone streets, the stone buildings adorned with climbing vines and rustic lanterns make it such a charming place. There's a peaceful quiet that surrounds the compound, interrupted only by the occasional chirping of birds or the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. The air is filled with a subtle scent of blooming flowers, adding to the feeling of stepping back in time. The overall ambiance is a perfect blend of history and tranquility, making it easy to lose yourself in the charm of the place.

One of the highlights of Altos de Chavón is the amphitheater. It's an open-air venue, and standing there, you can almost hear the echoes of past performances lingering in the air. The amphitheater is grand yet intimate, with a semicircular design that offers a perfect view from every seat. The stone seats add to the ancient feel, and as you look out over the stage, it's easy to imagine the incredible concerts and events that have taken place there. The energy of the amphitheater is palpable, and it's one of those places that leaves a lasting impression long after you've left.

This place is out of this world. I was transported and immersed into another time period. The fact that it's overlooking the Río Chavón and the golf courses in the distance makes it even more surreal. The attention to detail, execution, and maintenance of this replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village is excellent. A...