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he Dominican Republic has one of the most evocative urban architectural ensembles in the Car-
ibbean, located in the province of La Romana southeast of Santo Domingo—the replica of a six-
teenth century European village. Built in the 1980s, and inspired by the model of a Mediterranean
village, Altos de Chavón is located on a precipice above the Chavón River. Also called the “Ciudad
de los Artistas” (City of Artists), it is part of the more extensive resort/residential complex of Casa de Campo.
Altos de Chavón was conceived in 1974 under the design guidelines and original planning of the Dominican
architects José Antonio and Danilo Caro Ginebra, following the idea of Austrian industrialist Charles Bluh-
dorn, founder and chairman of the conglomerate Gulf & Western, with the aim of promoting and preserving
national art and culture.
The project was built between 1976 and 1980 by the Italian architect Roberto Coppa, who came to the
Dominican Republic to work on interior design for his friends, the renowned Italian producer Dino De Lau-
rentiis and his actress wife Silvana Mangano. It was there that Coppa became acquainted with Bluhdorn and
initiated collaboration on the “City of Artists.” Coppa’s professional career focused on the world of cinema
and set design, as well as the influence of Italian culture in the construction and completion of his most famous
project, Altos de Chavón.
A native of Rome, Coppa worked in the design, production, and mounting of stage sets, mainly for the
Italian and American film industries, collaborating for years with Federico Fellini, one of the most important
directors in the world of cinema, and Luchino Visconti, who aside from being a famed film director also di-
rected opera, classical ballet, and theater. Between 1967 and 1989, Coppa worked in set design at Paramount
Pictures, which was owned by Gulf & Western, thereby establishing the initial link between his role as set
designer and architect.
The work at Altos de Chavón began in 1976 with the construction of an adjacent highway and bridge
over the Chavón river, using materials from nearby quarries, with Coppa diligently overseeing the design of
every detail alongside a team of artisans. Dominicans who worked in stone, wrought metal, and wood gave
life to the cobbled streets and pathways, coral stone fountains, and terracotta buildings, ultimately creating a
magical effect through the transformation of local production complemented by invaluable Italian experience
and training.
For six years, each decorative detail, staircase, alley, and building that make up the Altos de Chavón com-
plex was hand-sculpted, evidencing the skill of the architect in inventing and reinventing each piece until he
achieved the Mediterranean atmosphere that prevails.
CHAPTER 28
Altos de Chavón:
AMediterranean Village Nestled
in the Caribbean
By Alba Mizoocky Mota López
General Coordinator of the UNPHU School of Architecture and Urban Planning
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