Flag Square of Santo Domingo, National monument at Avenue February 27 and Gregorio Luperon intersection, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The Flag Square of Santo Domingo is a monument at the intersection of Avenida 27 de Febrero and Gregorio Luperón in the heart of the capital. At the center stands a triumphal arch with two angel figures, surrounded by several flagpoles where the national flags fly.
The square was inaugurated in 1978 under the government of Joaquín Balaguer to symbolize national sovereignty. In 1979, Pope John Paul II celebrated here the first Mass by a Roman Pontiff on American soil before the original painting of the Virgen de la Altagracia.
The site houses the tomb of the unknown soldier and serves as a stage for military ceremonies and gatherings during major holidays. Locals come here to watch the changing of the guard and participate in official commemorative events.
Several bus routes stop near the intersection, making the square easy to reach from the rest of the city. Visitors should come early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the strong midday sun and the traffic.
In 1979, a huge crowd gathered here to attend the first papal Mass on the American continent. The original painting of the Virgen de la Altagracia was specially brought from Higüey for the occasion and placed in front of the stage.
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