On the right bank of the Río Ozama, the colonial district of Santo Domingo is dotted with historic monuments, handsome mansions and interesting museums along streets laid out according to a perpendicular plan that was to influence other cities in the New World. From Plaza de Espanã, scene of festivities dominated by the Alcazar de Colón, to Calle el Conde, the district's shopping centre, via Parque Colón, where decisions are taken and where the Catedral Santa María la Menor, stands and Calle Las Damas, which leads to Fortaleza Ozama, the charms of this old colonial city are best explored on foot.