The construction work for The Church of Santo Domingo began around 1572 by Dominican friars. It was completed over 200 years later. Between 1608 and 1857 it was an active monastery. In 1866 it was turned over for military use. In 1938 it was again used for religious purposes. During the 90's a full restoration was implemented and today The Church of Santo Domingo is back to its original splendor, ornately decorated with a generous carvings of gold leaf.
The simple convent church of Santo Domingo has an original Plateresque main façade. This was altered in the 17th century to incorporate Baroque elements. Inside the church, ornate plaster statues and colored stucco flowers emblazon the extravagantly gilded walls and ceiling. They form a spectacular combination of Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Moorish styles. Its six niches contain statues. The north doorway has a Gothic window which is a rose window but is typical of the Plateresque style. The large nave has complex ribbed vaulting. The windows are divided by columns in the Gothic style. When sun shines through the yellow stained-glass window, it casts a golden glow all over the Church's interior. The interior then seems to resemble a Baroque vision of heaven.
This marvelous 17th century Church is adorned with sculptures and paintings made by Andrés de la Concha. Above the altar of the Rosary Chapel there is a unique polychrome marble relief of the Descent from the Cross. The stairs are decorated with 16th century frescos. Colonial sculptures and photographs of various local convents are sometimes displayed in the monks' cells.
Of the 27 churches in Oaxaca, none can equal the splendor of the Iglesia de Santo Domingo's interior. Over 12 million pesos were spent on the church.
On the south side of the church is the golden Capilla del Rosario. This features numerous paintings of saints and Madonnas in various sizes. On the low ceiling inside the entrance one can see beautifully painted family tree of St. Dominic.
There is also a museum and botanical garden on the premises of the church. The entrance to both church and museum is on a wide plaza that acts as a centre for local fiestas and other events.
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