Santo Domingo Church

Santo Domingo, built by the Dominicans in 1670, is a dazzling baroque church. The exterior is handsome with twin bell towers crowned with brightly colored tiles, but there is little hint on the outside of the opulence within. It was here that Pope John Paul II blessed a huge crowd when he visited the city. Like so many Catholic churches in Mexico, its sanctuary and convent were partially destroyed, and its treasures stolen during the days of the Revolution. The interior was particularly badly defaced, and its gold leaf and rich decoration dismantled. However, the church has been restored to its original magnificence with an ornate façade, incredible golden interior, and splendid paintings and murals. The lovely, small chapel dedicated to the Virgin is not to be missed.