Welcome to the Templo de Santo Domingo, one of Colombia’s most prominent landmarks. This beautifully designed structure stands at the heart of Santo Domingo, and is a fascinating sight to behold. Considered to be the oldest still-standing colonial era church in the nation, Templo de Santo Domingo is a stunning piece of architecture that tells us a lot about the colonial and religious history of Colombia. In this blog, we will take at an in-depth look at the Templo de Santo Domingo, exploring its fascinating history, unique architecture, and helpful travel information. Let’s dive in!
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1. The Templo de Santo Domingo is believed to feature the oldest choir stalls in Mexico, dating back to the middle of the16th century.
2. The church is thought to be the first in New Spain to be dedicated to the veneration of the Virgin Mary.
3. It was the last Dominican church built in Oaxaca, having been constructed between 1551 and 1608.
4. The façade of the Templo de Santo Domingo features two towers with beautiful Moorish and Plateresque influences.
5. It is home to a stunning collection of baroque art and sculptures created by the indigenous Zapotec population.
6. Inside the church is a crypt that is rumored to contain the remains of Hernan Cortes.
7. The Templo de Santo Domingo is considered a cultural landmark, having been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
, Mexico
The Templo de Santo Domingo is a Baroque-style Roman Catholic church constructed in Oaxaca, Mexico. It was constructed between 1544 and 1578 at the behest of the Dominicans and their first order nuns, who wielded great influence in the city at that time.
The original building of the Templo de Santo Domingo was the first church ever built in Latino America. This is an early Renaissance building, with an aisle constructed around the middle and two naves joined by two arches. The inside of the church is even more breathtaking than the outside, with its interior structure almost completely gilded in gold. The temple also houses several works of religious art, from paintings to sculptures, all attributed to the large golden altar.
The façade of the temple is made with granite, originally from the Mixteca region, giving it a unique aesthetic. On the sides of the façade are two religious towers, noteworthy for their bell towers.
Inside the temple, you can visit a Convent of the Dominican nuns, affectionately known as “Godmothers”, who are in charge of running the convent and helping the sick and destitute. The convent was founded by Venerable Madre Juana Inés de la Cruz, one of the most famous women of her time for her service to the community.
The Templo de Santo Domingo is considered a monument and is considered the most important church in the city, where countless religious festivities are held. These festivities are celebrated annually, inviting thousands of people from all over the country and the world to share in its beauty. Today, the Templo de Santo Domingo is an important symbol of faith and tradition in the city, representing the many cultures, beliefs, and values shared by Oaxaca’s people.
Location: The Templo de Santo Domingo (Church of Saint Dominic) in Oaxaca, Mexico, is located in the historic center of the city, just a few blocks from the main Plaza de la Constitucion.
Hours: The church is open to visitors daily from 9 am to 7 pm.
Tours: Guided tours of the church and its grounds are available most days. These tours last approximately one hour and cover the history of the church and its many fascinating features.
Attractions: This church features many historical and artistic attractions, including the oldest operating organ in Mexico, the Hermenegildo Bustamante organ. The Sagrario (Sacristy) also offers some of the best examples of colonial art in Mexico, featuring pieces such as the five-panel painting of the “Life of St. Dominic”. There are also several other churches located in and around the Templo de Santo Domingo, including El Parque Cultural de la Ciudad, the San Carlos Church and the San Pablo Church.
Unmissable Events: Holy Mass is celebrated at the church every Sunday, beginning at 9 a.m. During the months of September, the Templo de Santo Domingo hosts the annual Fiesta de la Virgen de la Soledad, a popular festival dedicated to the Virgin of Solitude. The event brings together reverent pilgrims from around the region to partake in the lively ceremonies, religious processions, music and dancing.
Care and Considerations: Given its age and historical importance, visitors to Templo de Santo Domingo are expected to follow certain customs and etiquette when visiting the church. All visitors should dress appropriately and respect all parts of the church, treating the area with the reverence it deserves. Flash photography and food and drink are not allowed in the church.
Q1: Where is Templo de Santo Domingo located?
A1: Templo de Santo Domingo is located in the city of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. The exact address is Calle García Vigil 407, Centro Histórico, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax.
Q2: What type of architecture is Templo de Santo Domingo?
A2: Templo de Santo Domingo is a Baroque-style church with ornate gilding and stone embellishments.
Q3: When was Templo de Santo Domingo built?
A3: Templo de Santo Domingo was built in 1733 and completed in 1743.
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