Welcome to the Templo de Santo Domingo in Lima, Peru. This stunning religious site is a must-see for visitors to Lima due to its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Built in the 16th century, this temple is one of the oldest in Peru and stands as an important part of the nation’s cultural heritage. Whether you are a religious scholar or a curious traveler, you will undoubtedly be mesmerized by the stories that this temple tells and the atmosphere it creates. In this blog, I shall give you interesting facts, useful information, and a mini travel guide to this incredible temple.
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1. The current structure that exists today is the 15th reconstruction of the original temple since its original construction in 1529.
2. The Templo de Santo Domingo was the first church erected in the city of Puebla, and has been one of the most important religious sites in the region for centuries.
3. The church has been the home of a variety of religious orders throughout its history, including the Dominicans, the Augustinians, and the Carmelites.
4. After the original temple was destroyed in 1629 due to a fire that erupted during a thunderstorm, the use of adobe was suspended in the construction of the subsequent rebuilt versions of the temple to prevent future fires from occurring.
5. The Templo de Santo Domingo has the third tallest tower in all of Mexico, standing at 50 meters.
6. During the 19th century, the Santa María de la Asunción Chapel was added to the temple, which holds a Baroque oil painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on the wall.
7. The Templo de Santo Domingo became known as “The Pearl of Puebla” as its intricate baroque style decorations made it one of the most beautiful religious sites in the region.
The Templo de Santo Domingo in Puebla is a historical church located in the city’s downtown. The present day church is a result of the construction that began in 1533, when local Franciscan friar Fernando de Espinosa, appealed to the government of Hernán Cortés to begin the construction of a church at the location. The church, whose construction was overseen by Juan de Miguel from 1546-1571, was estimated to be completed a hundred years after its inception.
The church was initially yearned to be a show of the colonial period’s Catholic faith in the New World. The building was designed in the style of a ‘herrerian’ baroque and was also planned to accommodate and exhibit invaluable colonial artwork including paintings from Francisco Claperós and Pedro Antonio De Oraá.
In the 20th century, the Templo de Santo Domingo was declared a part of the country’s national heritage and the protocol dictated that its old baroque architecture was preserved and renovations were to emphasize its existing style. Till date, the church is used for religious events and its most valuable artwork is still exhibited within its premises. The church is renowned for its two-level façade and its main altar which has been crafted from silver and lapis lazuli. The Templo de Santo Domingo is open to the public and its architectural and artistic wonders are still appreciated by visitors and local alike.
Planning a trip to Templo de Santo Domingo in Puebla, Mexico? Here is a guide to help you make the most of your visit!
Getting There:
Templo de Santo Domingo is located in downtown Puebla, about 4km from Puebla International Airport. The best way to get there is to take a taxi or shared ride from the airport.
Hours of Operation:
The church is open for visitors every day from 8am to 8pm.
Admission:
Admission to the church is free, however certain areas may charge an extra fee.
Attractions:
Templo de Santo Domingo is the most important temple in the city, located on the Plaza de la Paz. Visitors can explore the 18th century architecture and admire the detailed sculptures and stained glass windows. The crypt and museum within the temple contain artworks and artifacts related to the history and culture of the city.
Nearby Attractions:
Puebla is home to many other interesting attractions, making it a great place for a day trip or an extended stay. Nearby attractions include the Puebla Cathedral, the Amparo Museum, Los Sapos aqueduct, and the Santa Maria Tonantzintla church.
Eating/Drinking Options:
The surrounding area of Templo de Santo Domingo is filled with restaurants and cafes. Traditional Mexican dishes are available in the various eateries, as well as artisanal tacos and regional drinks like pulque and mezcal.
Safety Tips:
Keep your belongings in a safe place and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t carry large amounts of money and avoid walking around alone at night.
With its intricate architecture and historical artifacts, Templo de Santo Domingo is worth a visit for anyone exploring Puebla.
Q: Where is the Templo de Santo Domingo located?
A: The Templo de Santo Domingo is located in the Barrio El Alto neighborhood of Puebla, Mexico.
Q: What is the history of the Templo de Santo Domingo?
A: The temple was built in the 18th century by Dominican friars and is now a registered World Heritage Site. It is considered an important example of Mexican baroque architecture.
Q: When is the Templo de Santo Domingo open?
A: The temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday and is free of charge for visitors.
Q: What attractions can visitors find inside the temple?
A: Visitors can find many attractions inside the temple, including a museum, a library, a clock tower, an art gallery, and a collection of religious artifacts.
5 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024