Dominican Republic: Colonial quarter of Santo Domingo
Score: 52

"One of the most fascinating old cities in the New World, with many beautifully restored buildings."

"Little work has taken place on private commercial and residential buildings apart from a few exceptions. The historic center is still mostly a museum and not quite well lived in."

"The powers that be don't appreciate what they have. Colonial Santo Domingo has considerable cultural and economic potential, but currently it does not offer much for tourists. The majority of historic buildings are not open and those that are only have a few rudimentary signs and these are exclusively in Spanish. Why are there no brochures or maps to enable visitors to take self-guided tours of the district? And who is looking after this district? How can they permit the Hard Rock Cafe to erect a three story facade directly opposite the oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere?"