Iglesia Santo Domingo took nearly two decades to construct, which the final flourish completed in 1808. A little more than a century later, however, the building was severely damaged by the 1917 earthquake, and again in 1942. Restoration efforts brought the lovely church to its original form. Take a walk around the nave to admire the Baroque pieces that were imported from the Santo Domingo church in Antigua and the niches displaying sculptures of Dominican saints. xa0xa0 Explore the church as part of a half-day or full-day sightseeing tours that cover the city’s top attractions such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology with time to shop for handmade textiles and leather and silver goods at the Central Market. If you have more time, tack on excursions to UNESCO-listed World Antigua, the Chichicastenango Market, and spectacular Lake Atitlán.
Iglesia Santo Domingo is located on 12 Avenida in the historic center of Guatemala City, easy walking distance from attractions in the area. Transmetro buses stop at the Tipographia, a few minutes walking distance from the church. Parking for a fee is available nearby.
The church is open daily year-round. Come for morning mass on Sundays and during the month of October when the church is specially decorated for the Rosary Virgin celebration. During Easter and Christmas holidays, the procession from the church is a spectacle. Pleasant weather makes Guatemala City a nice place to visit any time of the year. Peak season coincides with the drier season, from November to May.
One of the treasures of Iglesia Santo Domingo, Jesús de la Buena Muerte is a remarkable sculpture by an unknown artist. The sculpture has a distinct Baroque influence although the post-earthquake restoration has considerably altered its original look. In the early 20th century it held a tremendous religious significance when people from all over used to gather here during the Semana Santa (Holy Week) of Guatemala City.