Higüey
| Higüey | ||
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Coordinates: 18 ° 37 ′ N , 68 ° 43 ′ W Location of Higüey in the Dominican Republic
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| Basic data | ||
| Country | Dominican Republic | |
| province | La Altagracia | |
| City foundation | 1494 | |
| Residents | 150,000 (2006) | |
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| Detailed data | ||
| Waters | Caribbean | |
| Time zone | UTC −4 | |
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Higüey (also: Salvaleón de Higüey ) is the capital of the La Altagracia province of the Dominican Republic and one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the Caribbean .
history
The city was founded in 1494 by Juan de Esquivel . The name Higüey means in the Taíno language : "Where the sun rises".
Higüey has been the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia en Higüey since 1959 .
Attractions
One of the sights is the Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia , consecrated on January 21, 1971 . The 80 meter high arch is supposed to represent praying hands. Here is the picture of the Holy Madonna of Altagracia. On its name day, January 21, many pilgrims still make pilgrimages to the cathedral. The name of the church was eponymous for the province of the same name. This cathedral was visited by Pope John Paul II in January 1979 .
Another attraction is the gold leaf decorated altar in the old cathedral.
economy
The main sources of income for the 150,000 inhabitants of Higüey today are agriculture and tourism.
Many residents work in Punta Cana, 50 km away, with the tourist beaches of Playa Bavaro and Uvero Alto.
Sons and daughters
- Pablo Cedano Cedano (1936–2018) Catholic clergyman, auxiliary bishop in Santo Domingo
