Palacio Nacional (National Palace), Santo Domingo

The National Palace, known as the Palacio Nacional in Spanish, is a magnificent building. It serves as the official residence and administrative headquarters of the Executive Branch of the Dominican government, housing the offices of the President and Vice President.

The construction of the National Palace began on February 27, 1944, which coincided with the centenary of Dominican independence, and it was inaugurated on August 16, 1947. The Italian architect Guido D'Alessandro, commissioned by Rafael Trujillo, designed the palace in a restrained neoclassical style. Spanning an area of 18,000 square meters, the National Palace is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in the Dominican Republic.

Situated on the grounds of the former Presidential Mansion built during the United States occupation of the Dominican Republic from 1916 to 1924, the National Palace comprises three stories. The ground level is dedicated to building services, while the main floor houses the ceremonial vestibule, the Presidential and Vice-presidential offices, and the Cabinet meeting room. The third storey accommodates the main reception rooms, including the Hall of the Ambassadors, the Hall of the Caryatids, the Green Room, the Mahogany room, and the president's private quarters.

It is worth noting that the National Palace is not an executive residence where the President resides. The president's office is located within the palace, but they do not live there. Santo Domingo does not have a designated Executive Residence for the President.

Interestingly, the Hall of the Caryatids within the National Palace gained some cinematic fame when it was featured in the film "The Godfather Part II." This hall was used for the memorable New Year's scene where Michael Corleone confronts his brother Fredo about his betrayal.