Church and museum · Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Templo y ex convento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

Dominican church from the 16th and 17th centuries, with an interior covered in gold leaf, and the former convent that houses the Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca and an ethnobotanical garden.

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About Templo y ex convento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

The temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán stands at the top of the Macedonio Alcalá pedestrian promenade in Oaxaca's center. It was built by the Dominicans between the 16th and 17th centuries from green regional stone, with a Baroque façade flanked by two towers and thick walls designed to withstand earthquakes.

The interior is fully decorated with plaster reliefs covered in gold leaf, depicting saints, angels and flowers. Above the entrance, a carved family tree shows the lineage of Saint Dominic, and the Chapel of the Rosary next door features a gilded altarpiece.

The former convent houses the Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca, with rooms on the state’s history from pre-Hispanic times to independence, and the treasure from Tomb 7 of Monte Albán, featuring gold, jade and rock crystal pieces. From the convent windows you can see the ethnobotanical garden, with native Oaxacan plants such as cacti, agaves and trees, visited in guided groups.

Because the church holds regular masses, access to the nave may be restricted during services.

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Before you go

Practical information

Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.

How much time to set aside

2 to 3 hours including the museum.

Best time

In the morning for the church and the museum. The ethnobotanical garden is only visited in guided groups at fixed times; confirm before going.

How to get there

It is located in Oaxaca's historic center, at the top of the Macedonio Alcalá pedestrian promenade, about 600 meters from the Zócalo. It is reachable on foot.

Tip

Allow time for the Tomb 7 room in the museum. In the late afternoon, the plaza in front of the church fills with locals.

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Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Templo y ex convento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

What to see at Santo Domingo de Oaxaca?

The church with its gilded interior, the Chapel of the Rosary, the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures and the ethnobotanical garden.

How to visit the ethnobotanical garden of Oaxaca?

In guided groups at fixed times; check locally.

Is the Monte Albán treasure in Santo Domingo?

Yes, the pieces from Tomb 7 are in the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures.

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