Built in 1976 to resemble a Mediterranean village from the 1500s, Altos de Chavon, just east of La Romana and Casa de Campo luxury resort, is perched atop a bluff overlooking the Chavon River. Altos de Chavon includes an archaeological museum that is the most important Dominican museum outside the capital. It contains fascinating exhibits about the Amerindians of Hispaniola. There is also has a 5,000-seat, Grecian-style amphitheater, used for concerts by internationally known musicians (opening night featured Frank Sinatra and Carlos Santana). Along the village's cobblestoned paths you'll find artists' galleries and shops, as well as several good restaurants. For artists seeking their creative muse in the Caribbean, Altos de Chavon has an art school and an artist-in-residence program that offers workshops and three-month residencies (in English) in graphic arts, photography, painting, sculpture, music, writing and architecture. There's also a school of design.
