Maria de Toledo was born in 1490 to Spanish nobility, and in 1508, she married Diego Colon, son of Christopher Columbus. Diego became the first Viceroy of the Captaincy General of Santo Domingo (modern day Dominican Republic). Thus, Maria de Toledo became the first vicereine in the New World, and the most powerful noble in the Americas at the time.
Her roles were not merely ceremonial, given that she was also involved in managing the affairs of the country. During her husband’s absences, she became regent and took responsibility for co-managing the government. In addition, she actively championed for the rights of the indigenous Taino people, who had suffered greatly under colonial rule.
Found in Museo de las Casas Reales, Santo DomingoOne curious fact that I came across is that she was known for wearing luxurious clothes and jewelry. The problem was that the Spanish crown had a prohibition on wearing extravagant items in their new dominions. So, Maria lobbied for permission to wear clothes, jewelry, and head wear that befitted her noble status. After all, she needed to look the part. She obtained permission and was known for her fancy attires. In fact, the first paved street in the Americas was named in honour of the evening strolls that Maria took with her lady attendants along what used to be known as Calle de la Fortaleza (Fort street) but was changed to Calle las Damas (street of the ladies).
Plaza Maria de Toledo is located between calle Las Damas and Isabel La Catolica in the colonial zone of Santo Domingo.
The beautiful and pristine plaza has a statue in her honour.
I was fascinated by the noble aura and power the statue emitted. Did the lady actually look like this in real life? I wondered as I stood before her. I also wondered what it must’ve been like for her to be one of the first women in the new world. It was no walk in the park living at the edge of the known western world, full of danger and hardship.
The plaza is a very pleasant open space. It doesn't seem like a place where one goes to discuss politics, religion, or any tense matters. It's just a relaxing space in the presence of feminine elegance, ideal to visit when out for an evening stroll in Santo Domingo.
Resources
María de Toledo, La Señora https://museosrd.gob.do/maria-de-toledo-la-senora/
Plaza María de Toledo https://republicadominicana.viajareslomio.es/plaza-maria-de-toledo/
