Puerto Plata was founded by Nicolás de Ovando in 1502. A personal decree of
Christopher Columbus gave the city its name, because of the shimmering silver
color of its coast at sunset. Puerto Plata is cradled between its colonial harbor
and a dramatic backdrop and natural reserve, Mt. Isabel de Torres. Still erect
from centuries past is the colonial fortress of San Felipe, built in 1541 to defend
from possible pirate attack.
Many of the turn-of-the-century homes have been lovingly restored, and the charming
central park gazebo was recreated from period renderings of the original. The
1970's brought tourism to the Amber Coast, with a meticulous development
program directed by the Central Bank's Department of Tourism Infrastructure.
Fortaleza San Felipe, Puerto Plata
Glorieta in the centre of Puerto Plata
Cable car on Mount Isabel de Torres,
Puerto Plata
Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata
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