The National Palace (Av. México at Av. 30 de Marzo, tel. 809/695-8000) is open to tours only by appointment and isn’t a light visit. It takes persistence, but if you’re granted a tour, dress your best. No shorts or flip-flops. Dominicans dress well for business appointments and expect you to do the same.
This huge palace covers an entire block and is constructed of roseate marble from Samaná [1] by Italian neoclassical design. It was inaugurated in 1947 and is ornately decorated inside with gilt mirrors, grand murals, and mahogany furniture.
The most impressive area is the Room of Caryatids; 44 sculptures of draped women rise like columns, reminiscent of Versailles.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/dominican-republic/la-peninsula-de-samana/santa-barbara-de-samana