Built in 1976 to resemble a Mediterranean village from the 1500s, Altos de Chavon, Dominican Republic, just east of La Romana and Casa de Campo luxury resort, is perched atop a bluff overlooking the Chavon River.
Altos de Chavon includes an archaeological museum that is one of the most important Dominican museums outside the capital. It contains fascinating exhibits about the Native Americans of Hispaniola. There is also has a Grecian-style amphitheater used for concerts by internationally known musicians (opening night featured Frank Sinatra and Carlos Santana). The tiny Romanesque St. Stanislaus Church is a favorite spot for weddings.
Along the village's cobblestoned paths you'll find artists' galleries and shops, as well as several good restaurants. For artists seeking their creative muse in the Caribbean, Altos de Chavon has a school of design and an artist-in-residence program that offers workshops and three-month residencies (in English) in graphic arts, photography, painting, sculpture, music, writing and architecture.
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