Santo Domingo, Oaxaca
Saturday, March 4, 2006
Construction of this church began in 1575 and was completed in 1608. The grounds are nicely landscaped, complete with a botanical garden and an impressive museum inside that houses beautiful artifacts found at Monte Alban, a pre–Hispanic city near present–day Oaxaca. Monte Alban and the center of Oaxaca are a Unesco World Heritage site.
Santo Domingo is a large building, all of stone. It was built when Moorish architecture was still an influence in Spain, which accounts for the roof domes.
The stone is a very light color, and the sun makes everything dazzingly bright and the shade seem very dark.
The greenery is outside of the church, and in the adjacent botanical garden.
Here is a bit of the detail contained in the interior of Santo Domingo. This is a section of the ceiling.
The botanic garden is well kept and a nice addition to the church. This photo was taken from the second floor of Santo Domingo.
This photograph was taken in the Tamayo Museum. The object is behind glass; the reflection cannot be helped. It is a beautiful piece.
Santo Domingo in Oaxaca has a botanical garden and a terrific museum of pre–Hispanic artifacts from nearby Monte Alban. The Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre–Hispanic Art is also worth a visit.
Next—Mitla, the last Zapotec city.
