Altos de Chavón: A Complete Guide to the Dominican Republic’s Mediterranean Village

🎒 Welcome to Altos de Chavón

Imagine wandering through stone alleyways, surrounded by hand-cut coral buildings, Romanesque architecture, and sweeping views of a tropical river valley. Welcome to Altos de Chavón, a cultural and architectural marvel nestled in the Dominican Republic’s La Romana region.
 

As your guide today, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind destination—a place where art, culture, and history blend seamlessly in a breathtaking Mediterranean atmosphere.

📍 Where Is Altos de Chavón?

Country: Dominican Republic

Region: La Romana Province

Location: Overlooking the Chavón River, within the Casa de Campo Resort complex

Coordinates: Approx. 4 km from La Romana city center

Altos de Chavón is easily accessible whether you're staying in La Romana, Bayahibe, or even Punta Cana via day trips.

🏛️ A Brief History of Altos de Chavón

You might be surprised to learn that Altos de Chavón isn’t centuries old—it was constructed in the late 1970s by Italian designer Roberto Coppa and Charles Bluhdorn, chairman of Gulf + Western. The goal? To recreate a 16th-century Mediterranean village as a cultural center for the Dominican people.

Built by local artisans using stone, coral, and wood, the result is so convincing that most visitors assume it's an actual ancient town. Today, it's a living, breathing village filled with art studios, galleries, restaurants, and cultural institutions.

🌟 Top Attractions at Altos de Chavón

🏟️ 1. The Altos de Chavón Amphitheater

A 5,000-seat Greco-Roman-style amphitheater

Hosts concerts, plays, and major cultural events

Famous performers include Frank Sinatra, Shakira, and Andrea Bocelli

Whether or not there’s a show during your visit, walk through and imagine the energy of the crowds under the stars.

⛪ 2. St. Stanislaus Church

Built in honor of Pope John Paul II’s 1979 visit

Named after Poland’s patron saint, St. Stanislaus

A popular spot for destination weddings

The rustic stone church is set against lush backdrops, making it one of the most photographed buildings in the Dominican Republic.

🖼️ 3. The Altos de Chavón Art Gallery

Features rotating exhibitions by local and international artists

A showcase for Dominican modern and folk art

Shop for original artwork and meet emerging artists

🎓 4. The Altos de Chavón School of Design

An affiliate of Parsons School of Design (New York)

Offers fine arts and fashion programs

Students’ work is often displayed around the village

The school infuses the village with creative energy and gives travelers a glimpse into the future of Dominican art.

🏺 5. Regional Museum of Archaeology

Home to thousands of pre-Columbian artifacts

Exhibits about the Taino people, the island’s original inhabitants

Descriptions are in English and Spanish, perfect for international visitors

🌉 6. The Chavón River Viewpoint

Don’t miss the sweeping views of the winding Chavón River from the stone balconies of the village. Filmmakers love this spot—it was used in movies like Apocalypse Now and Rambo.

🍽️ Dining at Altos de Chavón

There’s no shortage of charming places to eat. Here are a few guest favorites:

🛍️ Shopping at Altos de Chavón

Altos de Chavón is a great place to find unique souvenirs and handcrafted items, including:

Larimar and amber jewelry

Handwoven textiles

Leather goods

Paintings, ceramics, and artisan crafts

Visit Jenny Polanco’s boutique for Dominican high fashion and gift shops for items made by local artists.

🎭 Events and Festivals

The village hosts cultural events throughout the year. Notable occasions include:

Concerts at the amphitheater (international stars and classical music)

Art exhibitions and student showcases

Film screenings and theater productions

Holy Week and Christmas celebrations with live music and decorations

📸 Best Photo Spots

The church at sunset

The Chavón River overlook

Cobblestone alleys with stone arches and lanterns

Inside the amphitheater from the top row

Balconies and terraces with mountain or river backdrops

🕐 Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for lighting and cooler temperatures.

🧭 How to Get to Altos de Chavón

🚗 By Car

From La Romana Airport: ~15–20 minutes

From Punta Cana: ~1 hour 30 minutes

From Santo Domingo: ~1 hour 45 minutes

Located within the Casa de Campo Resort area, Altos de Chavón is open to day visitors (small entry fee may apply).

🚌 Day Tours

Many operators in Punta Cana, Bayahibe, and La Romana offer guided excursions, often paired with a Chavón River boat cruise.

💡 Travel Tips from Your Guide

🎟️ Bring cash – for small purchases and tips

📸 Arrive early for photography without crowds

🕯️ Stay for sunset – the golden light transforms the village

🛍️ Support local artisans by shopping at galleries and studios

🚶 Wear good walking shoes – cobblestones can be uneven

🏨 Where to Stay Nearby

📚 Fun Facts About Altos de Chavón

Frank Sinatra performed the first concert at the amphitheater in 1982

The name “Altos de Chavón” translates to “Heights of Chavón”

The coral stone used in construction was quarried nearby

The village has appeared in Hollywood films and Dominican telenovelas

It's often called the “Cultural Capital” of the Dominican Republic

🌟 Why You Should Visit Altos de Chavón

Altos de Chavón is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a living museum, a school of art, a romantic hideaway, and a spiritual place all wrapped into one unforgettable destination. You don’t need to be an art lover or history buff to appreciate the beauty and authenticity of this architectural gem.

With every step on its cobblestones, you'll feel the harmony between manmade artistry and the natural grandeur of the Dominican Republic.

🗺️ Quick Summary