Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the beautiful Spanish Baroque church located in Oaxaca, Mexico. Founded by the Dominicans in the 16th century, Templo de Santo Domingo is the most significant place of worship and historical site in the city. This awe-inspiring building is renowned for its intricate carvings, impressive dome and stunning interior decoration, which reflect the works of famous Mexican artists. In this blog, we will explore the fascinating history of Templo de Santo Domingo, its interesting facts and useful information on visiting the site. Finally, we will share some of the best travel tips to help you make the most of your time in this religious landmark.

Interesting Facts About Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

1. The monastery was built in the 15th century and is the oldest in Mesoamerica.

2. The building has a Baroque design and features two levels with a patio in the middle.

3. The temple is dedicated to Saint Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order.

4. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the most important Dominican building in the Americas.

5. Inside the temple, lies the reliquary of Saint Dominic, containing his bones.

6. The magnificent altar of the temple is made of seashells and covered with sheets of gold.

7. The magnificent paintings adorning the walls of the temple were made by master artists from all over Mexico.

8. The temple is also home to 5 museums dedicated to the Dominican Order, art and local history.

9. The courtyard of the temple contains the remains of an old Aztec pyramid.

10. The temple has a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries and is considered a symbol of Oaxacan culture.

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History & Information About Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

The Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, or “Temple of Saint Dominic of Guzmán”, is located in the beautiful Mexican city of Oaxaca, just south of Mexico City. It is one of the oldest and most important churches in the country, and its grand Baroque architecture and stunning interior make it a sight to behold. The church was founded in 1572 by Archbishop Fray Francisco de la Fuente y Ballesteros, who wanted to create a place of worship where people of different backgrounds and belief systems could come together. Originally built as a Dominican monastery, the church underwent renovations in the late 1700s to give it its Baroque style, which is still seen today.

The temple is dedicated to St. Dominic de Guzman (1170- 1221), a Spanish saint who is famous for his work as one of the first members of the Dominican Order. He was renowned for his preaching and missionary efforts in 12th and 13th century Spain. The temple was originally the main church of the centrally located Dominican monastery and college in Oaxaca , and was even granted its own viceregal coat of arms.

The church facade is divided into three parts, with the center tower, flanked by two lateral towers. Its lower part has three openings, and each part is decorated with portals and small sculptures, while the upper part features three volutes. The interior of the church is divided into three aisles. It is primarily Baroque in style but contains other architectural styles as well. In the nave visitors will find several prominent altarpieces, including the grand main altar. The monastery buildings, located in the atrium, are open to the public, as are the crypts and the gardens.

When visiting the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, visitors can expect to take in its history and beauty. Its intricate and well-preserved architecture makes it a unique site, and it is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Oaxaca.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

, Mexico

1. Arrival:

The closest airport to Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is the Oaxaca International Airport in the city of Oaxaca. From there, you can take a taxi, rideshare or bus to get into the city center and to the temple.

2. Transportation:

From the city center, you can walk to the Temple. It is roughly a 15 minute walk. You can also take a taxi, a shuttle, or a rickshaw to get there.

3. Things to Do:

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is an incredible historic and architectural site. It is a church built in 1575 with stunning Baroque and Neoclassical elements. You can explore and admire the grand temple as well as the surrounding Santo Domingo Plaza. Additionally, the Brunette Art Gallery is located in the temple complex. The gallery contains a range of pre-Hispanic artifacts, including pottery, masks, jewelry and more.

Around the Plaza, you can find many cafes and restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal after sightseeing. On Sundays, the square comes to life when local artisans set up stalls to sell their handmade products, including crafts, jewelry, leather goods, and more.

4. Where to Stay:

The best area to stay near Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is the Centro Historico. Here you will find a range of options including hotels, b&b’s, guesthouses, and apartments.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

Q: Where is Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán located?

A: Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is located in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Q: What is the history of Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán?

A: Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán was originally built as a convent in the 16th century by the Dominican order and is one of the finest examples of Spanish Baroque architecture. The temple was built on top of a pre-Hispanic ceremonial site and is now part of the Historic Centre of Oaxaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Q: When was Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán constructed?

A: Construction on Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán started in 1555 and was completed in 1608.

Q: What are some unique features of the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán?

A: The Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán features spectacular colonial artworks including a main altar and a series of side chapels with stunningly detailed decorations. Additionally, the church is home to the Virgin of Rosario Chapel, containing life-size figures of San Domingo and the Virgin of Rosario in her gown of roses.

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