Altos de Chavón Artisan Village Guide 2026
Altos de Chavón
A historic 16th-century Mediterranean village replica perched above the Chavón River valley — cobblestone streets, art, and timeless romance.
Perched high on a rocky plateau overlooking the deep green canyon of the Chavón River in La Romana, Altos de Chavón is one of the Dominican Republic's most surprising and romantic cultural treasures. Designed by Italian cinematographer Roberto Coppa and masterfully crafted by Dominican artisans, this entire stone village is a meticulous, breathtaking replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, constructed entirely of hand-carved local limestone.
Opened in 1982, Altos de Chavón is not merely a tourist site; it is a thriving artistic community. It features artist studios, fine craft boutiques, galleries, the Altos de Chavón School of Design (affiliated with Parsons in NYC), and a majestic 5,000-seat Roman-style stone amphitheater that has hosted legendary performers from Frank Sinatra to Andrea Bocelli.
This guide walks you through the cobblestone paths, historical highlights, art galleries, fine dining overlooking the river, and the absolute best spots to capture sunset views.
Year completed
1982 (Roberto Coppa design)
Location
Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana
Architectural style
16th-century Italian Stone Village
Time zone
AST (UTC-4)
Amphitheater capacity
5,000 seats (Roman style)
Member savings
Access to Casa de Campo day passes
Where to stay
The Roman Amphitheater
Grand, historic, acoustic masterpieceA magnificent, 5,000-seat open-air amphitheater made of local stone. Inaugurated by Frank Sinatra in 1982, it continues to host concerts under the stars. Its acoustics and design are spectacular.
St. Stanislaus Church
Romantic, sacred, historicLocated in the central plaza, this beautiful stone church is consecrated to St. Stanislaus. It is one of the most popular wedding venues in the Caribbean, complete with historic looking wooden doors and a small bell tower.
The Regional Museum of Archaeology
Educational, cultural, ancientA highly curated museum housing one of the most comprehensive collections of pre-Columbian Taino artifacts in the world, tracing the history of the Dominican Republic before European arrival.
When to go
December – April
22–27°C · Crisp evening air
The absolute best season. The sunset light on the warm limestone is stunning, and the dry weather is perfect for outdoor dining and walking.
May – August
26–31°C · Sunny & Tropical
Summer days are hot, but the breeze from the Chavón River canyon keeps the village comfortable. Beautiful golden hours.
September – November
25–30°C · Variable showers
Fewer crowds, making it a peaceful, highly intimate experience, but carry an umbrella for sudden afternoon tropical rains.
Insider tips
- Visit at golden hour (around 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM). The hand-carved limestone buildings glow with a beautiful warm honey-orange light that is perfect for romantic photographs.
- Plan to have dinner overlooking the Chavón River. Restaurants like La Piazzetta serve incredible Italian cuisine on terraces perched directly over the canyon.
- Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. The cobblestone paths are authentic, uneven, and can be challenging to navigate in heels.
- If you are not staying inside the Casa de Campo resort, you will need to purchase a day pass or have a restaurant reservation to enter the gates. Our concierge can secure resort access for members.
- Explore the small side alleys. Hidden craft workshops and galleries are tucked away off the main plazas, where students create hand-woven textiles and ceramics.
FAQ
Is Altos de Chavón actually ancient?+
No! Although it looks hundreds of years old, construction actually began in 1976, and the village opened in 1982. It was designed to resemble a medieval Italian stone village and was built by local artisans using historic masonry techniques.
Where is Altos de Chavón located?+
It is located inside the secure, gated 7,000-acre Casa de Campo Resort & Villas complex in La Romana, about a 1.5-hour drive west of Punta Cana or a 1-hour drive east of Santo Domingo.
Can you visit Altos de Chavón without staying at Casa de Campo?+
Yes! Non-resort guests can visit. You will need to present your ID at the resort gates and purchase a tourist entry pass (approx. $25 USD) or present a confirmed reservation for one of the restaurants or museums.