Altos De Chavon
by Teresa Zieba
Title
Altos De Chavon
Artist
Teresa Zieba
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Altos de Chavón is a re-creation of a Mediterranean style European village located atop the Chavón River in La Romana, Dominican Republic. It is the most popular attraction in the city and hosts a cultural center, an archeological museum, and an amphitheater. The project was conceived by the Italian architect Roberto Copa, and the industrialist Charles Bluhdorn.
The project began in 1976 when the construction of a nearby road and bridge crossing the Chavón River had to be blasted through a mountain of stone. Construction was completed in the early 1980s.
Narrow, cobble-covered alleyways lined with lanterns and shuttered limestone walls yield several good Mediterranean-style restaurants, a number of quaint shops featuring the diverse craftwork of local artisans, and three galleries exhibiting the talents of students from the on-site design school.
Adding authenticity to the project is the charming St. Stanislaus Church (Iglesia San Estanislao de Cracovia in Spanish) with its plaza and sparkling fountain that is a popular wedding venue. The Church of St Stanislaus was named after the patron saint of Poland in tribute to Pope John Paul II, who visited Santo Domingo in 1979 and left some of the saint's ashes behind.
A Roman-styled 5,000-seat amphitheater hosts 20th century musical acts—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 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 Concert for the Americas was held here in August 1982. Performers included Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, Heart and Santana.
Uploaded
April 12th, 2017
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Comments (29)
Mary Deal
Though we can't imagine what life would be like in places like these, they call to us. Your architectural gallery is wonderful.
Teresa Zieba
Nader, thank you for featuring this work in "Fine Arts Professionals" group. It is truly appreciated.
Teresa Zieba
Kim, thank you for featuring this work in "The Road To Self Promotion" group. I'm delighted.
Teresa Zieba
Mariola, thank you for the feature in "Polish Photographers Platform" group. Greatly appreciated.
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