Altos de Chavón is one of the most extraordinary places in the Caribbean — a hand-built replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village perched on a cliff above the Chavón River gorge at Casa de Campo® Resort, La Romana. Built in the late 1970s by Italian set designer Roberto Copa, it has become one of the Dominican Republic’s most celebrated cultural landmarks. Here’s what to expect when you visit.
The Village
Walking Altos de Chavón’s cobblestone streets, the village feels genuinely transported from another era. Stone archways, terracotta rooftops, and bougainvillea-draped walls lead to open plazas and lookout terraces with views over the river canyon far below. The centrepiece is the Church of St. Stanislaus — a Romanesque-style chapel consecrated in 1979, named after Poland’s patron saint as a symbolic gift to Pope John Paul II. It remains an active venue for weddings and ceremonies today. Every detail of Altos de Chavón is hand-crafted, making it as compelling for quiet exploration as for the drama of its views.
The Amphitheater
The Altos de Chavón Amphitheater seats 5,000 and has hosted some of the world’s most celebrated performers since Frank Sinatra inaugurated it in 1982. Julio Iglesias, Santana, Elton John, Sting, Duran Duran, Andrea Bocelli and Michael Buble have all played here. Carved into the clifftop with an open-sky stage framed by river gorge and jungle, it is one of the most dramatic concert venues in the Caribbean. When no events are scheduled, the seating and stage are open to visitors to explore. The resort concierge can advise on upcoming performances during your stay.
Art Galleries & Shopping
Altos de Chavón is home to the Escuela de Diseño, a fine arts and design school affiliated with Parsons School of Design in New York, whose students exhibit work throughout the village. Independent galleries display paintings, sculpture, and photography by Dominican and Caribbean artists. The village’s artisan shops sell hand-crafted ceramics, jewellery, textiles, and amber — the Dominican Republic is one of the world’s leading sources of natural amber, and pieces sold here are genuine and locally sourced.
Dining at Altos de Chavón
Several restaurants and cafes operate within the village, from casual terrace spots for coffee and pastries to full sit-down dining overlooking the gorge. La Piazzetta serves Italian cuisine in an intimate courtyard setting and is a favourite for villa guests looking for a relaxed dinner with atmosphere. Marietta is a reliable choice for a lighter lunch. Reservations are recommended in high season, particularly on evenings when the amphitheater is hosting an event.
Museum of Archaeology
The Regional Museum of Archaeology (Museo Arqueológico Regional) holds one of the Caribbean’s most significant collections of Taíno artefacts — ceremonial objects, pottery, tools, and jewellery from the indigenous people of Hispaniola, predating European contact. Admission is free for resort guests. The museum is compact but thoughtfully curated; allow 30 to 45 minutes for a thorough visit. It provides valuable context for the history of La Romana and the wider island.
Getting There from Your Villa
Altos de Chavón sits on the eastern edge of Casa de Campo® Resort, approximately 10 to 15 minutes from the main villa areas by golf cart or car. The resort provides a shuttle from the hotel lobby, and the village has its own car park for guests arriving directly. The path from the car park into the village involves some cobblestone incline. Most guests visit in the late afternoon or early evening, when the light on the Chavón River gorge is at its best and the heat of the day has eased.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Altos de Chavón?
Altos de Chavón is a hand-built replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village located within Casa de Campo® Resort, La Romana, Dominican Republic. Designed by Italian set designer Roberto Copa and completed in the late 1970s, it sits on a cliff above the Chavón River gorge and features a 5,000-seat amphitheater, art galleries, artisan shops, restaurants, the Church of St. Stanislaus, and a museum of Taíno archaeology.
What can you do at Altos de Chavón?
Visitors can explore the cobblestone village streets, tour the Church of St. Stanislaus, browse art galleries and artisan shops, visit the Regional Museum of Archaeology, dine at restaurants overlooking the gorge, and attend concerts at the open-air amphitheater when events are scheduled. It makes an easy half-day or evening excursion from a Casa de Campo villa.
Who has performed at the Altos de Chavón amphitheater?
The amphitheater was inaugurated by Frank Sinatra in 1982 and has since hosted Julio Iglesias, Elton John, Gloria Estefan, Beyoncé, and many others. It seats 5,000 in an open-air setting carved into the clifftop above the Chavón River. The resort concierge can advise on upcoming events during your stay.
Is Altos de Chavón free for Casa de Campo villa guests?
Yes — Altos de Chavón is part of the Casa de Campo® Resort grounds and is freely accessible to all villa guests without a separate admission charge. Individual venues within the village — restaurants, galleries, and shops — operate independently and set their own prices.
How do I get to Altos de Chavón from my villa?
Altos de Chavón is approximately 10 to 15 minutes from the main villa areas by golf cart or car. The resort runs a shuttle from the hotel lobby, and the village has its own car park for guests driving directly. Most guests visit in the late afternoon or early evening when the light on the gorge is at its best.
Can you visit Altos de Chavón without staying at Casa de Campo?
Day visitors can access Altos de Chavón, though entry is managed through the resort’s security gate. Non-guests typically need a confirmed dining reservation or activity booking to gain access. Staying at a Casa de Campo® villa gives you unrestricted access throughout your stay.
discover your
ideal villa rental
Tell us a bit about your plans, and one of our villa specialists will personally curate a selection of homes tailored to your group, preferences, and budget—typically within a few hours. There’s no commitment at this stage, just a conversation to help you explore the right fit. Our villa specialists have personally stayed in and vetted every property in our portfolio. Availability can shift quickly, especially during peak travel periods.