Puerta Del Conde (Count's Gate), Santo Domingo

The Count's Gate holds immense historical significance as the site where Francisco del Rosario Sanchez, one of the Dominican Founding Fathers, proclaimed Dominican independence and raised the first Dominican Flag on February 27, 1844. Situated within the colonial area of Santo Domingo, known as Ciudad Colonial, The Count's Gate is part of a larger structure called El Baluarte del Conde, which served as a fort during a pivotal moment in the country's history.

The Count's Bastion was an integral part of a defensive system of fortifications that encircled Colonial City, protecting it during the colonial era. The construction of this site began in 1543, initially named Fort San Genaro. The fort followed a typical model of 17th-century bastion fortresses influenced by Italian architecture, a legacy that is preserved in the Caribbean's 17th-century fortifications.

Over time, Colonial City's defensive wall expanded, reaching its full footprint in the 18th century with the addition of various defensive structures, effectively enclosing the area in a pentagonal wall.

Today, the Count's Gate serves as the main entrance to the Nacional Park, also known as Independence Park. This historical site, El Count's Bastion, has become a symbol of Dominican independence and a testament to the nation's struggle for freedom. Within the park, several monuments and structures stand as a tribute to the country's fight for liberty, honoring the courage and determination of its founding figures.

The Count's Gate and Count's Bastion hold a special place in the hearts of Dominicans, serving as a reminder of their nation's proud history and the bravery of those who fought for their independence. The park surrounding the Count's Gate offers a serene and contemplative space, where locals and visitors can reflect on the country's journey towards nationhood.