Altos de Chavón

Beautiful Mediterranean inspired church and village perched on the cliffs overlooking the Chavon River. Even after finding out it was a real estate development project in the 80s, the stone work, landscape, and charm of this spot transports you in time.

This is a place you have to visit once in your lifetime. An amphitheatre that is carved in the stone, just look at the pictures and judge for yourself, also if you like golf you can enjoy the best golf course in the Caribbean and possibly all Latinoamérica in Casa De Campo as well.

Historic charm and spectacular views. We spent the day walking around, visiting shops, and tasting food and drink. You may catch a wedding or a concert on any day.

A Hidden Mediterranean Village in the Heart of the Caribbean. Perched above the winding Chavón River, Altos de Chavón feels like stepping into another world where time slows down and stone-paved streets tell stories of art, music, and culture. Designed in the late 1970s as a tribute to 16th-century Mediterranean villages, this one-of-a-kind place was brought to life by Dominican architect José Antonio Caro and Italian designer Roberto Coppa. Built entirely by local artisans using limestone, handcrafted wood, and wrought iron, every corner of the village carries the warmth and pride of its makers. Visitors enter through the gates of Casa de Campo, the private resort that surrounds Altos de Chavón. Guests of the resort can access the village freely, while outside visitors pay an entry fee that typically ranges from 25 to 50 dollars per person, depending on what’s included. Once inside, you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops, galleries, and cafés, along with stunning views of the river valley below. One of the most visited spots is the small but beautiful St. Stanislaus Church, where a relic from the saint himself, ashes sent by Pope John Paul II, rests behind the altar. At the heart of the village is the amphitheater, a 5,000-seat open-air venue carved into the hillside. Since its grand opening concert in 1982 featuring Frank Sinatra, the stage has welcomed some of the world’s biggest performers including Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Juan Luis Guerra, Sting, Plácido Domingo, Luis Miguel, and Marc Anthony. With its impressive acoustics and dramatic backdrop, the amphitheater offers a unique concert experience under the stars. Altos de Chavón also offers several excellent dining options. Alegría serves a varied menu with breathtaking views of the river, with favorites like lobster rice, croquetas, and perfectly grilled churrasco. Onno’s Café, just steps from the amphitheater, is a laid-back spot popular for cocktails and quick bites. Other notable places include Chilango Taquería for tacos, La Piazzetta for Italian dishes, and Dye Fore Bar for drinks with a panoramic view. It’s important to note that after 5 p.m., non-resort guests are not allowed to dine in the village unless invited by someone staying in Casa de Campo, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting for the day. Parking is simple and close to the entrance, especially near Onno’s. The village is best explored on foot, but wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestone paths can be uneven. Arriving early in the day allows for a quieter visit and the best photo opportunities, while sunset brings a magical glow over the river valley that’s hard to forget. Altos de Chavón also houses a fascinating archaeological museum with thousands of artifacts from pre-Columbian cultures. For those interested in hands-on experiences, there are art studios offering pottery, weaving, and silkscreen workshops. The village is home to a prestigious design school affiliated with Parsons, making it a creative hub where you’re just as likely to meet students sketching as tourists exploring. On certain weekends, you might stumble upon a local artisan market, with live music and handcrafts adding even more charm to an already special visit. Concert nights bring the village to life, and if you plan ahead, attending a show at the amphitheater is an unforgettable highlight. Altos de Chavón isn’t just a tourist attraction. It’s a carefully crafted escape filled with beauty, history, and inspiration. Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the art, the music, or the peaceful atmosphere, this hilltop village offers a glimpse into something truly timeless in the heart of the Dominican Republic.

Altos de Chavón is one of my favourite places to visit while in the Dominican Republic. It looks like a rustic and ancient Mediterranean village, but in reality was built in the 1970s under the direction of Italian set designer Roberto Coppa and Dominican architect José Antonio Caro. The village was constructed with local materials and employed local woodworkers, stonecutters and stonemasons, and iron workers. The result is a truly picturesque area. Wander the cobblestone streets with a camera in hand because every time you turn a corner you will want to snap a photo or take a selfie. The village has numerous restaurants, a church, a lovely stone fountain, artisan shops that showcase local craftspeople, a 5000 seat stone amphitheater where you can catch a concert if you’re lucky, and a museum where you can learn the history of the island. And of course, it’s overlooking incredible views of the Chavón River valley with the ocean in the distance. Altos de Chavón is inside the Casa de Campo compound. Bring your passport because all visitors must register at the entrance gate and pay a fee to go in. There is also a small fee to go into the Altos de Chavón village.

A Unique and Beautiful Spot with a Few Drawbacks We visited Altos de Chavón during our stay at Casa de Campo, and overall, it was a memorable experience. The architecture and views are absolutely stunning — a beautiful replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village perched high above the Chavón River. It's definitely worth seeing, especially for first-time visitors to the area. We dined at two different restaurants within Altos de Chavón, and both the food and service were excellent. The staff was incredibly attentive and made us feel very well taken care of. It’s a great spot for a romantic dinner or a special family outing. That said, there were a couple of downsides. One night, while visiting a bar in the area, four of our tumblers were stolen from our golf carts, which put a damper on the evening. It's something to be aware of — while the area feels safe, it’s still important to keep an eye on personal items. Also, be prepared for the heat during the day. Due to the stone architecture and open layout, it can get very hot, so it’s best to visit earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon if you're walking around. Altos de Chavón is about a 12-minute golf cart ride from Minitas Beach, making it a convenient outing if you're staying at Casa de Campo. Despite the minor hiccup, we’d still recommend checking it out for the scenery, history, and great dining options.

Need to prepare passport and sign documents before buying tickets to enter the area. The architecture is so interesting here. Every few steps is a cute angle or view of the houses. So pleasant to walk around. There are a lot of stores and restaurants. The village is very small but very interesting. Super cute place.

One of our favourite parts of our trip to the DR! Our experience at impressive resorts was less than ideal, so going on this tour was the highlight! We did a tour to Catalina Island, and this was one of the stops to the beautiful town. They say that a man had built it for his daughter, and she did not like it, which I cannot understand why! It was beautiful to walk around, check out the stadium area, and check out the cute little kitties nearby. The stonework is just incredible, and made us feel like we were in a European town.