Santo Domingo & Sosua   The ancient Caribbean seaport of Santo Domingo, founded in August 1496, was the first capital of the new territories discovered by Christopher Columbus. In recognition of the city's role in the Spanish colonization period, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed Santo Domingo cultural heritage of the New World. Santo Domingo has numerous museums, restored historic sites and cobblestone streets. Its parks and plazas, ancient churches, main cathedral, coastal fortifications and reconstructed Spanish government buildings bring history to life. It is also a modern city with a population of 2 million, lively music, fine dining, casinos and five-star hotels dotting the landscape.