Higüey (city)

Location of Higuey in the Dominican Republic

Higuey (also: Salvaleón de Higuey), is the capital of the province of La Altagracia in the Dominican Republic and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Caribbean. The city was founded in 1494 by Juan de Esquivel. Higuey in the language of the Taíno, "Where the sun rises ".

The main sources of income for today approximately 150,000 people of Higuey are agriculture and tourism.

Sites include the consecrated on January 21, 1971 Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia. The 80 meter high arch to represent praying hands. Here is the image of the Holy Virgin of Altagracia. At whose name day, January 21, pilgrimage even today many pilgrims to the cathedral. The church's name was eponymous for the eponymous province. This cathedral was visited in January 1979 by Pope John Paul II.

Another attraction is the gold leaf altar in the old cathedral.

Many residents work in Punta Cana, 50 km away with the beaches used by tourists Bavaro Beach and Uvero Alto.