Santo Domingo and the Capilla del Rosario, Puebla
Panoramic view of Santo Domingo (right, 1611) and the Capilla del Rosario (left, 1690). Photo
Ramon Leon Rosas.
Exterior of the Capilla del Rosario. Photo
Robin Nystrom.
Interior of the Capilla del Rosario. Photo
Ramon Leon Rosas.
Altar and dome of the Capilla del Rosario. Photo licensed under GFDL.
Icon of the Virgin Mary in the chapel's altar. Photo
Robin Nystrom.
The church of Santo Domingo in Puebla is especially famed for its Capilla del Rosario (1690), an impressive sight with overwhelming Baroque decoration and lavish use of gold leaf.
History
The Iglesia de Santo Domingo was the church of a Dominican monastery (no longer active) completed in 1611. Its Capilla del Rosario was built in 1690 in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary.
What to See
The church of Santo Domingo is worth a look; its interior is lined with some impressive Baroque altars and contains a fine onyx pulpit.
But the main attraction here is the Capilla del Rosario, one of the most elaborately decorated Baroque chapels in Mexico. The walls and dome are completely coated with ornate sculpture in gold leaf and plaster, including saints, cherubs, and dancing angels. On the walls, golden vines form the frames of six paintings depicting the mysteries of the rosary.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Santo Domingo and the Capilla del Rosario; Iglesia de Santo Domingo |
| Location: | Puebla, Puebla, Mexico |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Order: | Dominican |
| Dedication: | St. Dominic |
| Categories: | Churches; Abbeys & Monasteries |
| Architecture: | Baroque |
| Date: | 1611; 1690 |
| Status: | active |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | 5 de Mayo and 4 Poniente, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico |
| Coordinates: | 19.046737° N, 98.197984° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Phone: | 222/242-36-43 |
| Opening hours: | Open daily |
| Cost: | Free |
Travel Resources
- Puebla Map - our detailed interactive map of Puebla, plus hand-picked links to more
- Puebla Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Santo Domingo and the Capilla del Rosario. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Puebla Map.
Article Sources
- DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Mexico (2003), 152.
- Puebla Attractions: Churches - Frommer's Mexico
Last updated on January 20, 2010.
