Salvaleón de Higüey

Salvaleón de Higüey, often simply called “Higüey”, is the lively capital of La Altagracia Province in eastern Dominican Republic and one of the country’s most important religious centers. The city is best known for the monumental Basílica-Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, a major pilgrimage site and one of the nation’s most distinctive landmarks, as well as the historic Church of San Dionisio, dating back to the 16th century. Higüey combines everyday Dominican life with religious tradition, bustling urban activity, and regional culture. Located near the popular resort areas of Punta Cana and Bávaro, the city offers an authentic contrast to the tourist-oriented coast while serving as an important economic and administrative hub in the country’s east.