Higüey

Higuey, Dominican Republic

Roman Catholic basilica of Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia, Higuey, Dominican Republic. Higuey, Dominican Republic Dominican Republic. In the Easternmost province of the Dominican Republic, the La Altagracia province, is the town of Higuey. Visit Higuey City, center of eastern region in Dominican Republic, and Higuey City neighborhood. Higuey, in full Salvaleon de Higuey, town, southeast of Dominican Republic, on a broad, coastal plain.

Salvaleon de Higuey, or, simply, Higuey, is a Dominican City, and is the capital of the Altagracia Province in the republic. Higuey was also the name of the previous indigenous chiefdom at the eastmost tip of the island of Hispaniola at the time Christopher Columbus arrived. When European colonists invaded Hispaniola, Hispaniolas easternmost tip was held by the Taino Indian Kingdom of Kaicimu-Higuey.

After several decades, Higuey was moved from the coast, as were the other cities to its east. In 1809, Higuey was once again incorporated into El Seibo County, following its recovery by the Spaniards. After Spanish forces had again taken control during the Espana Boba Period, Higuey once again became part of El Seibo County.

During the Spanish Colonial Period, Higuey continued to be an earldom in El Seibo County. During that time, and under French administration, Higuey was a District in the department of Ozama. When the Dominican Republic was declared in 1844, thanks to efforts by La Trinitaria, a new central government meeting placed Higuey under administration of El Seibo province.

At the end of the Second World War, an international contest was launched in 1947 by the government of Dominica for a basilica in the city. The basilica was started in 1954, ordered by Higueys first bishop, Monsignor Juan Felix Pepe, and took 17 years to be completed. The basilica would replace an older shrine built in 1572 during Spanish occupation, a period in which Higuey Province had gained greater autonomy. The Old Church of Higuey is totally different to La Altagracia basilica — and it is a fine, authentic structure.

In Salvaleon de Higuey is located the cathedral, or basilica, of Our Lady of the Altagracia. We suggest you to walk through the entry gate, plated with gold and bronze, to the steeple of 45 bronze bells, to the contemplation of a painting of Our Lady of the Altagracia, the Patroness of Higuey, brought by Spanish missionaries, which was blessed in Rome by Pope John Paul II. The principal historic site of Higuey is the Cathedral, where you will find Virgen de la Altagracia, the painting brought by the Spanish missionaries in the 15th century. The Virgen de la Altagracia, the painting brought by the Spanish missionaries in the 15th century. You can also visit Higueys Basilica, the Virgen de la Altagracia Basilica, which is a contemporary concrete structure that has a unique design that uses arches.

The Basilica of Higuey (AKA the Basilica-Cathedral Our Lady of Altagracia) is a religious temple which attracted immediate attention due to its spectacular architecture of Rationalist andBrutalist tendencies. The Basilica of Higuey is one of many tourist attractions you may enjoy if you are living in the Dominican Republic. During our City Tour & Shopping in Higuey, a half-day Cultural Exploration, we visit the Cathedral Nuestra SeA+-ora de la Altagracia, a contemporary Catholic shrine located in SalvaleA3n de HigA 1/4 ey, the eastern part of the Dominican Republic. Safari excursions from Punta Cana include a stopover in nearby Higuey to tour this cathedral.

Taking the drive from your hotel to explore Higuey is a full-day activity to be enjoyed during your family vacation to Punta Cana, and it provides a more complete perspective of Dominican culture and society. You will be surprised at some of the unique things to do and places to explore at this hidden destination. Let us take a look at some recommendations of things to do in Higuey, and things to consider while planning a trip to Higuey. The town of Higuey might lack a little in terms of majesty and refinement, but visitors get to experience a city-side of the Dominican Republic.

Higuey is mostly dependent on tourism, many of its residents are employed by Punta Canas resort complexes just a few kilometers away, or selling tourism products. The tourist-oriented Punta Cana resort is just 40 minutes away, and many Higuey residents earn their livelihoods at hotels and golf courses along the east coast. These beaches and others now form the islands major tourist pillars, and Higuey is among the cities experiencing the highest growth rates. In this city, and the area as a whole, cattle ranching has been extensively developed to produce milk and meat, because of its position on a coastal plain of the Caribbean.

In the early 1980s, Higuey began to exploit its tourist potential, in conjunction with investments by Spanish tourist companies and those from other countries, with its primary center of interest being centered around the beaches on the east side of the island, particularly those in Punta Cana and Bavaro.

Perhaps by coincidence, Higuey is located on the eastmost tip of Hispaniola, i.e., the area which first received rays from the Sun. One of this towns rivers is the Anamuya, a beautiful green river filled with rocks that you can clamber over (just watch out, though). On the way up to La Altagracia Cathedral, you may find guides who are happy to take you on a tour around this town. Built in 1956 to house the religious icon that was said to have been left to the town by the Apostle who appeared by miracle, its impressive basilica is said to have been the scene of numerous Marian healings.

Juan de Esquivel, a conqueror of local Taino peoples, later in Jamaica, founded the historical village of Salvaleon, in Higuey, in 1505, which included the parish church.