Altos de Chavón

NALs · #1 07-19-2008, 08:07 PM

Overall, how would you rate Altos de Chavón?

(1 = Horrible, 3 = OK, 5 = Excellent)

Quote:

Altos de Chavon Artists Village is a vibrant cultural community perched above the Chavon River. Cobblestone paths, coral stone fountains and terra cotta buildings create a magical effect in this village designed by Robert Coppa, an Italian architect who at the time was a Paramount movie set designer. He built it in the late 1970s to emulate a 15th century southern Italy-southern Spain village. Visitors today discover craft workshops, artists' studios, galleries and restaurants. Weddings are frequent at the St. Stanislaus Church, as few places can be more romantic than Altos de Chavon. The performing arts are showcased in the village's 5,000-seat amphitheater, inaugurated in 1982 by Frank Sinatra and is still attracting big name performers. Visit the Regional Museum of Archaeology, a small but wonderful display of the island's rich pre-Columbian heritage. The Art Gallery features contemporary art exhibitions.

Source: DR1 Travel: La Romana

-NALs

CG-LT · #2 07-20-2008, 12:18 AM

I'd give it a TEN !!!!

elton · #3 07-20-2008, 12:45 AM

you didnt give it five though

CG-LT · #4 07-20-2008, 12:56 AM

5 it is...

elton · #5 07-20-2008, 08:53 AM

thank you im easily confused ...lol

ben jammin · #6 07-20-2008, 10:29 AM

visited but did not have time to browse as we were taking a boat from there. it is a beautiful place in a beautiful sight. if we would have had to walk back up the mountain(down was difficult enough) i would have given it a 3 but since we rode back in a taxi i give it a five

aegap · #7 07-20-2008, 01:18 PM

Casa de Campo is an awesome place, but I get goosebumps thinking about how much better - how much more - it may have come to be had Charles Bluhdorn lived for say another twenty years or so , ..

Dominique Bluhdorn: Pres. of Altos de Chavon discussing the impact her father, Charles Bluhdorn, founder of Gulf & Western had on the country.:

Dominique Bluhdorn - Brightcove

Altos de Chavon - Brightcove

CFA123 · #8 07-20-2008, 01:43 PM

I visited Altos de Chavon once, and unless there were a concert there I can't imagine a reason to go back.

Yes, it has a pretty view out over the river. Glad I saw it. But the overall artificial feeling of the construction and 'community' I found neither quaint nor enticing. Anyhow, the view gets a '5', but Altos de Chavon the 'community' - is it a place to return again and again? Not in my opinion. Rates a '1' from me.

London_Calling · #9 07-21-2008, 12:58 PM

Gulf & Western built it as part of a tax dodge and is a monument to the power and greed of multinationals - I find it all rather distasteful,

Made a recent visit to the site and found it to be deserted - the majority of the shops appeared to be selling the same over-priced stuff they had on offer 10 years ago. I would have expected a bit better from a so called "vibrant cultural community".

Overall vote "0"

sweetdbt · #10 07-21-2008, 01:25 PM

I visited during the day, and would make the same observation as London_Calling. Virtually deserted and shops with overpriced merchandise. The ampitheatre is indeed impressive, and I can imagine that seeing a top notch musician like Juan Louis Guerra in concert there at night would be a memorable experience. That and the view are about all it has to offer IMHO. I gave it a 2.