Altos de Chavón

Altos de Chavón is one of the most visually stunning cultural sites in the Caribbean — a meticulously crafted replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village perched 90 meters above the winding Chavón River. Located within the Casa de Campo resort in La Romana, this artistic village was conceived by Italian designer Roberto Copa and industrialist Charles Bluhdorn in 1976.

Every cobblestone, archway, and wrought-iron balcony was placed by hand by Dominican artisans trained in traditional European construction techniques. The result is an extraordinarily authentic village that serves as a living cultural center, housing working artist studios, galleries, restaurants, and the famous 5,000-seat Grecian-style amphitheatre.

The story of Altos de Chavón begins in the late 1970s when Charles Bluhdorn, then-chairman of Gulf+Western Industries, envisioned creating a cultural center that would celebrate both Dominican craftsmanship and Mediterranean heritage. He enlisted Roberto Copa, a renowned Italian architect and cinematographer, to design the village.

Over the course of several years, Dominican stonecutters and artisans hand-built every structure using local coral stone and traditional techniques. The village was inaugurated in 1982 with a legendary concert by Frank Sinatra at the newly completed amphitheatre.

Today, Altos de Chavón houses the Altos de Chavón School of Design, affiliated with Parsons School of Design in New York. The village has become a symbol of the Dominican Republic's commitment to arts and culture, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events throughout the year.

Altos de Chavón offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences spread throughout its charming cobblestone streets:

• The Amphitheatre: A stunning 5,000-seat venue modeled after ancient Greek amphitheatres. Frank Sinatra, Sting, Alicia Keys, and Juan Luis Guerra have all graced its stage.
• Church of St. Stanislaus: A beautiful stone church containing a relic of Poland's patron saint, gifted by Pope John Paul II. It's one of the most popular wedding venues in the Caribbean.
• Archaeological Museum: Houses a fascinating collection of pre-Columbian Taíno artifacts found throughout the island.
• Art Galleries & Studios: Working studios where local artists create and display paintings, ceramics, and woven goods.
• River Views: Walk to the overlook for breathtaking panoramic views of the Chavón River valley below.
• Dining: Several restaurants offer Italian and Dominican cuisine with magnificent views.

Altos de Chavón is located within the Casa de Campo resort complex in La Romana, on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic.

• From Santo Domingo: About 1.5 hours east via Autopista del Este (Highway 3). Take the La Romana exit and follow signs to Casa de Campo.
• From Punta Cana: Approximately 1 hour west along the highway.
• From La Romana: Just 10 minutes by car. Taxis are readily available.
• By tour: Many resorts in Punta Cana and La Romana offer organized excursions that include transportation.

Entrance: Non-resort guests can access Altos de Chavón by registering at the Casa de Campo entrance gate. Admission to the village itself is free.