The Catedral de Santiago Apóstol stands on the south side of the Parque Duarte, the main square of the old town. The current building dates from the late 19th century, rebuilt after the original 16th-century church was destroyed by an earthquake. The neoclassical façade in pale stone is more restrained than the colonial cathedrals of Santo Domingo, but the interior — with its tall nave, dark woodwork, and good stained glass — repays a quiet visit.
The Parque Duarte itself, with its central gazebo, is the heart of the colonial centre. Many of the surrounding streets have been pedestrianised; this is the easiest part of the city to walk around.