Visiting the Village of Altos de Chavon
There is so much to see in the Dominican Republic. Its diverse landscape and rich culture have made it one of the most visited nations in the Caribbean.
During my recent trip, I had the opportunity to visit the village of Altos de Chavon. Altos de Chavon is located in La Romana, about 70-miles from the historic city of Santo Domingo. Nestled atop a plateau, the small villa is located within the boundaries of the beautiful resort complex of Casa de Campo. Altos de Chavon was built in 1976 and is home to the Altos de Chavon Cultural Center Foundation, a non-profit educational and cultural entity dedicated to maintaining an arts community within the Dominican Republic. The village of Altos de Chavon includes cultural museums, art galleries, craft workshops, an amphitheater, a church and another campus for Chavon: The School of Design.
Here are more photos - enjoy.
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- Casa de Campo Resort and Villas is a seven-thousand acre hotel, resort, and residential community in La Romana on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The exclusive retreat was built by industrialist, Charles Bluhdorn.
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- The resort includes three championship golf courses – golf is extremely popular in the Dominican Republic.
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- Casa de Campo is also home to Altos de Chavón a one-of-a-kind 16th century replica Mediterranean village. This project was conceived by Bluhdorn and the Italian architect, Roberto Copa. Charles Bluhdorn’s daughter, my friend Dominique Bluhdorn, is the current president of the Altos de Chavón Cultural Center Foundation.
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- The entire village is located atop the Chavón River. The project began in 1976 when the construction of a nearby road and bridge crossing the river was blasted through a mountain of stone. The stones were used to create the village and celebrates the artisans of the Dominican Republic.
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- Much of Altos de Chavon is made from coral block and terra cotta. This giant fish sculpture is part of a fountain – it looks like it has been here for centuries.
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- Each stone was hand cut, each wooden door frame was handcrafted and each wrought-iron detail hand-forged. The village was finally completed and inaugurated in 1982.
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- Another attraction in Altos de Chavon is this five-thousand seat amphitheater. It is mainly used for music concerts and other performances. The acoustics are perfect – I whispered from the stage and people could hear me at the top.
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- The amphitheater is so beautiful and carved all from stone. The term “amphitheater” derives from the ancient Greek words meaning “on both sides” or “around” and “place for viewing”.
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- I admired the details of the steps – this reproduced amphitheater was inspired by the ancient amphitheaters of Rome and Greece.
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- There are many narrow, cobble-covered alleyways lined with lanterns and shuttered limestone walls. The village also features Mediterranean-style restaurants, and quaint shops featuring the diverse craftwork of local artisans.
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- All the walkways and building entrances were made from stone by Dominican artisans.
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- Here is a stone animal carving built right into the wall.
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- Craft ateliers are small, independent production centers where trained local artisans execute silk-screen, and woven-fiber products.
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- Here is a weaver working in one of the village studios.
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- This artisan was just about to start another piece. I asked her what she was making. She answered, “I don’t know yet” – the clay speaks for itself.
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- Although not part of the Foundation, the various craft ateliers keep the richness of folklore, and handcrafted expressions alive – here are some of the ceramics made in the village workshops – all for sale.
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- Here are stacks of hand made dinner plates, dessert plates and bowls ready to be sold.
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- Another campus of Chavon: The School of Design is also located within Casa de Campo in La Romana. (Photo provided by Chavon: School of Design)
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- Here is the entrance to this campus – just as well-maintained as the campus in Santo Domingo. (Photo provided by Chavon: School of Design)
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- Here is one of the classrooms – airy and light. The easels are all handmade. The vigorous art and design program leads to the Associate in Applied Science degree in one of four major concentrations: fashion design, graphic design, interior design, and fine arts and illustration.
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- Here is a student using an easel as he paints. (Photo provided by Chavon: School of Design)
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- The School of Design invites many notable designers to lecture to its students. Here is fashion designer, Donna Karan, speaking to a group of young fashion students. (Photo provided by Chavon: School of Design)
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- Here are more students creating beautiful interpretations of their live model – the model stayed in this position for hours as they sculpted.
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- The School has a very well-stocked library for reference and research materials.
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- The small class size and student to faculty ratio is about 10 to one. (Photo provided by Chavon: School of Design)
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- The School is devoted to nurturing its students and maintaining a generation of talented artisans in the area. (Photo provided by Chavon: School of Design)
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- Within the village there are also galleries exhibiting the talents of students from the School of Design that promote Dominican culture.
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- Here is another beautiful art piece – likely made by one of the students at the School.
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- The Regional Museum of Archaeology, or El Museo Arqueológico Regional, contains a collection of pre-Columbian Indian artifacts unearthed in the surrounding area.
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- The museum documents the important Indian legacy of the island of Santo Domingo. It holds a treasure trove of more than three-thousand artifacts that chart the history and culture of the region’s pre-European societies.
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- Here are some of the boating pieces exhibited at the museum made by members of the Taino Tribe, one of the most populous of the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean.
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- The magnificent collection of indigenous objects in the Museum’s custody was gathered over the course of 40-years by Samuel Pión. Many of the pieces displayed were vessels used to hold food and drink.
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- Here is an old tribal necklace. These ritual and utilitarian objects demonstrate the cultural evolution of the region.
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- And here is a small stool – all hand made.
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- This cross is outside the charming St. Stanislaus Church, Iglesia San Estanislao de Cracovia. There is also a plaza and fountain nearby.
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- Here is the back of the Church of St. Stanislaus, which is named after the patron saint of Poland in tribute to Pope John Paul II, who visited Santo Domingo in 1979.
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- And here is the inside of the Church – weekly masses are held here, as are numerous weddings. What a beautiful and special village – Altos de Chavon. Please visit if you can.
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