Centuries-old remains unearthed during Santo Domingo’s Colonial City revitalization

Santo Dominigo.- As part of ongoing revitalization efforts in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, workers have uncovered centuries-old human remains and pottery fragments in front of the historic Nuestra Señora del Carmen Church. The National Directorate of Monumental Heritage (DNPM) confirmed the discovery and explained that it reflects the long-standing tradition of burying parishioners near churches, a practice that declined after the Independence Avenue Cemetery opened in 1824.

The remains were found during pre-construction archaeological assessments, a standard procedure before excavation begins in historically sensitive areas. These findings emerged beneath a site designated for a modern electrical transformation center, which is part of a project to bury wiring and improve the streetscape. Built in 1615, the Church of El Carmen has documented burials dating back to the 1660s, though the identities of the unearthed individuals remain unknown due to the absence of tombstones or inscriptions.

According to the DNPM, these archaeological findings have not delayed the overall project timeline, as the schedule already accounts for such investigations. The discovery emphasizes the Colonial City’s rich historical layers, with its over 500-year-old urban fabric often revealing artifacts and remains. The excavation follows official guidelines laid out in the Archaeological Procedure Guide, which ensures the preservation of cultural heritage during infrastructure upgrades.