Santo Domingo de Guzman Oaxaca: Church and Museum of Culture

The Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzman in Oaxaca is an example of Baroque architecture, the work of the Dominicans who arrived in 1528 in conjunction with the City Hall. It has become the only representative work of the three centuries of the viceroyalty in Oaxaca, a state emblem.

Discover the history and architectural details of the most important historical monument in the state. 

Know the schedules and costs of visiting both the ex-convent and the Museum of Culture so you can include this magnificent viceregal construction in your itinerary.

The Beginnings of Santo Domingo de Guzman Oaxaca

Santo Domingo de Guzman Oaxaca began to be built in 1570 in a space comprising 24 lots (4 hectares). These were donated by the City Council to the Dominican friars who had just arrived. 

The transaction was agreed upon based on an initial treatment stating that the construction should be completed within no more than 20 years.

When this period is fulfilled, not seeing significant progress, the City Council extends 30 more years in exchange for the help of the friars in the work of water conduction for the city.

The church of Santo Domingo de Guzman Oaxaca was hastily inaugurated in 1608, however, the convent was fully finished in 1619, 49 years later. Also, within the complex, there was an orchard that became an incredible botanical garden with medicinal plants.

A church that transforms its mission

The church, according to the different epochs and relevant events, was transforming its function to be useful for the event in question. As you can see in the timeline below, it was the victim of too many changes and modifications over the years:

In 1623, it was elevated to a university, where they taught philosophy and theology.

In 1812, it was occupied by the royalist and insurgent army of the Independence; and by centralists and federalists all the XIX century until the arrival of Benito Juárez as president.

In 1862, with the Laws of Reform (Law of Churches), it became a barracks to house the Mexican Army. Here it suffers damage to its structure (scraped walls, stolen gold sheets, destructions) because of the occupants, which generates that the temple remains closed from 1860 to 1901.

In 1902, Porfirio Díaz returned the church of Santo Domingo Oaxaca to its original function.

Historic Monument and World Heritage Site

The building was declared a historical monument on March 30, 1933. It was also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 30 March 1987.

A true architectural masterpiece

Speaking of structure and design, decoration is one of the most outstanding examples of Mexican Baroque. Inside the ex-convent, you can see the family tree of the Guzman family, as well as 36 paintings illustrating passages from the Old Testament. 

In addition, the entire space is covered by interlocks and reliefs of saints, angels, cherubim, and patriarchs.

The vaida vault contains 104 medallions of Dominican martyrs, and in the chapel of the Rosary, the Virgin dresses in white and gold. The four columns are decorated with imitation gold leaves.

Image by Radiodreamer

As you can see in the image there is an excess of ornament, as well as spirituality, contrast, and extravagance; all characteristics of baroque constructions. Towers of 35 meters high, bell towers, ostentatious domes, undoubtedly a work representative of culture and the state.

Restorations of Santo Domingo de Guzman Oaxaca

The church has also undergone restorations, the fruit of the identification of potential improvements as well as necessary changes after destruction over time, the most relevant are two.

The first takes place shortly after its inauguration when in 1659 they begin with plaster works, golden inner vaults, and gold-covered stairs. These were concluded in about 1660. 

The second is given in 1901 to repair the damage caused by the soldiers in which new altars are added and the family tree of the Guzman family is completed.

In this video you can see more information and details of the restorations of the church of Santo Domingo Guzman:

Church of Santo Domingo Guzman today

How to get there

The temple of Santo Domingo de Guzman is located 6 blocks north of the Central Square (Zocalo). It is delimited by the streets Macedonio Alcala, Berriozabal, Gurrion and Reforma.

Masses are offered on Sundays and during October, the month of the Rosary, the Dominican friars and the confraternity organize festivities in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary. Events like novena, mornings, concerts.

Mass schedules in Santo Domingo Guzman Oaxaca

Admission is free. On Sundays you can attend Mass at 7:00 am, 11:00 am. 01:00 pm, 05:30 pm, and 07:30 pm. Sundays are also for confessions.

Marriage cost: The marriage in the temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán is undoubtedly one of the most expensive in the state, ranging between 7 and 9 thousand pesos.

Museum of Culture

Currently, the center also serves as a museum of culture, with the name of Museum of Culture.

Here you can find a collection of original pieces that narrate the history of the state, as well as vestiges of prehistory: Mesoamerican lordships, objects of the Independence and Revolution, and chronologies of the indigenous peoples.

You can visit it from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 – 18:30 hours. It costs 80 pesos but Sunday is free for nationals, seniors, children under 13, and education workers.

Did you know that INAH offers a virtual tour of the center at no cost? Access the link below to enjoy this visual beauty from home. The only requirement is to have Adobe Flash Player 9/10.

Museum of Culture – Virtual Tour

And that was the story of the Santo Domingo Guzman Church and the Museum of Culture. We hope you liked it and that you are encouraged to visit them if you are in Oaxaca.

Other emblematic places of Oaxaca that might interest you:

• Oaxaca: Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art of Mexico
• Refreshing! The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad | How to visit Oaxaca