Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Baroque church in Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico.

The Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán is a baroque structure with a massive stone facade divided into three vertical sections, flanked by twin bell towers and covered in detailed religious carvings. The interior ceiling spans with gilded decorations arranged in intricate patterns that tell religious stories.

Construction started in 1551 when the town council gave land to the Dominican Order, with the project spanning more than a century. The extended timeline reflects the scale and complexity of the undertaking.

The church remains an active Catholic parish, and the adjoining convent now houses the Museo Regional de Oaxaca and the Jardín Etnobotánico. The museum's best-known holding is the Mixtec treasure from Tomb 7 of Monte Albán, excavated by Alfonso Caso. The small square in front serves as a stage for popular festivals.

The building is open during daylight hours, and arriving early helps you explore the interior without crowds and take in all the details. The adjacent Cultural Center offers additional information and context for your visit.

The former monastery garden now holds the Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden, planted with native species of the state. The convent rooms house the Regional Museum of Oaxaca, including objects from Tomb 7 of Monte Albán found by Alfonso Caso. The museum was founded with help from Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo.