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ALTOS DE CHAVÓN: A MEDITERRANEAN VILLAGE NESTLED IN THE CARIBBEAN
The erroneously titled Altos de Chavón Amphitheater, set in lush foliage, is an architectural work in-
spired by classical Greek theaters. The complex comprises three elements: the circular-shaped orchestra at the
center, the stage behind it that rises toward a rectangular coral stone wall (where the dressing rooms and the
open auditorium are located), and the semicircle rising in front of it, where the audience sits. With regard to
amphitheaters, “amphi” in classical Greek means precisely in two parts, and thus would imply two orchestral
units forming a closed ellipsoid structure.
Since its inauguration on August 20, 1982, the amphitheater with its seating capacity of 5,000 has served
as the venue for countless performers from around the world, including Frank Sinatra, Carlos Santana, Gloria
Estefan, Juan Luis Guerra, Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, and Ana Gabriel, among many others. This entertain-
ment complex is the work of the architect Nano Lebrón.
View of the Altos de
Chavón precipice above
the Chavón River.
© Thiago Da Cuhna