He cemetery of Independencia Avenue turns 200 years old today, in the midst of a process of restoration.
The cemetery is a monument historical of the Dominican Republichowever, the exact number of people buried is unknown and many of the names on the niches are illegible. The space has always smelled of the sea, even in 1824, when it was inauguratedThe smell of salt water is due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea. Here, the niches are gradually impregnated with the salt that travels through the air.
Despite being a monument historical Dominican, the truth is that it was inaugurated during the Haitian occupationon August 29, 1824. Juana Flores She was the first person buried there, which is why she is considered “the baroness of the cemetery“.
A ground that has been hosting the dead for two centuries, has witnessed all the moments of republican history, as it emerged before the National Independence was proclaimed. cemetery It has become a tourist spot thanks to its value historical, artistic and architectural.
It was declared “monument historical“In 1987 by decree No. 557-87, it was closed in 1943 after the opening of the cemetery national highway of Maximo Gomez Avenue.
He official record The total number of buried people is 3,275. However, the exact number is not known. Throughout history, the remains of these 16,000 square meters have been removed bonesniches vandalized and names erased, a situation that makes it difficult to believe in statistics about the remains that were buried in the cemetery located in Ciudad Nueva.
In the early years, only the grave of people Catholicsexcluding other communities, such as Jews.
Furthermore, it was not only the resting place of the deceased, but it was also the scene of murders in the form of shootings. The enemies of the GovernmentBoth civilians and military personnel considered disloyal were taken to the place that was converted into a firing wall.
The referred monument historical turns 200 years old in the midst of a remodeling which prevents entry to the public.
Its importance lies in the men and women who have rested here for 200 years. Among them: Dominican patriots, writers, scientists, artists and renowned families.
Some of the notable people buried in the cemetery are: José MarÃa Serra, Juan Sterling, Lorenzo Deogracia Marty, national heroes.
The heroes of the April Revolution are: Illio Capossi, Yolanda Guzman, Juan Maria Lora Fernandez, Euclides Morillo, Jacques Viau, Juan Hernandez (Kuki) and Ramon Mejia del Castillo (Pichirilo).
Within the intellectuals From different eras are the names of Osvaldo Garcia The project was supported by the National Council of Education, …
Emilio Prud´Homme, author and composer of the lyrics of the national anthem and the educator Eugenio Maria de Hostoswere buried in the cemetery of Independence, but his remains were transferred to the Pantheon of the Fatherland.
Here, among all those niches, you can also find Sunday Antonio Penawho died defending the return of the Constitution and his tombstone bears striking letters that cry out to be preserved.
He cemetery of the Independence Avenue turns 200 years old in the midst of construction works remodeling which prevent the entry of the public. Outside, the fences are being fixed sidewalksInside, the roads are being adapted and the tombstones are being cleaned.
