Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic - A Rochester Sister City
Bienvenida!
Puerto Plata faces the warm beautiful beaches of the Atlantic. Behind it is Mt. Isabel de Torres, a national park and botanical garden, accessible by cable car. At the top is the Christ the Redeemer statue and a breathtaking view of the city and coastline.
The island of Hispaniola was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Timber from the wreck of the ship "Santa Maria" was used to build the "Nativity Fortress," which was later destroyed by the natives due to the abuses committed by the Spanish. Columbus resolved to build the town of "La Isabela," the first European settlement in the New World, located one hour west of Puerto Plata, today a major tourist attraction.
Puerto Plata has a population of 147,000. Its major industries involve the processing of agricultural products such as sugar cane, rum, tropical fruits, amber jewelry, and tourism.
Fast Facts
- Currency: Dominican Peso
- Sister City Since: 1997
- Language: Spanish
- Population: 147,000