Santo Domingo de Guzmán Convent
The Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzman is a Catholic temple built in the historic center of Quito and run by Dominican friars. What stands out most about this architectural complex is its church and its 38.25-meter-high tower that has a clock. At the same time, inside it is the most beautiful chapel in Ecuador, the chapel of the Virgen del Rosario, which is considered a jewel of the colonial baroque of the 18th century and a bastion of the religious architecture of Quito.
Cover Photo by Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
The basics#
The construction of this complex began in 1541 with the arrival of the Dominicans, although the work was completed and delivered in 1688, a process that lasted 148 years. The complex comprises the church, the convent, and the chapel of the Virgen del Rosario. Plateresque, Mudejar, Neo-Gothic, and Renaissance styles predominate in the church, while the baroque style predominates in the chapel of the Virgen del Rosario. When you visit this complex, you will discover its architectural majesty, the surprising treasures kept there, and a sample of the religious, artistic, and cultural legacy left by the Dominican friars in Quito.Secret Tours of Quito
Things to know before visiting Santo Domingo Convent#
- Quito Tour Bus offers you the Santo Domingo Domes Tour, which takes you on a night tour of this tourist destination in the city, where you can appreciate how the yellow lights illuminate the incredible architecture of the church. This tour is part of the Quito Secret Tours; discover them!
- When visiting the church of Santo Domingo during the day, you can enter the Fray Pedro Bedón Museum. In this tourist attraction, you can see paintings and sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries, made mainly by anonymous authors of the School. Quiteña de Arte.
- Entry to the Church of Santo Domingo is free. However, you must pay a fee to enter the Fray Pedro Bedón Museum.
- The Plaza de Santo Domingo is located in front of the church and is another iconic site that you should walk through when you are in the area. In the center of the square stands a monument to Antonio José de Sucre, a hero of the Independence of Ecuador.
- You can attend religious services offered at the Santo Domingo church, a place of pilgrimage for many Catholics.
- The church is also an important place where concerts and cultural events are held in Quito.
- In the Santo Domingo church’s surroundings are various restaurants, cafes, and establishments that offer representative dishes of Ecuadorian gastronomy.
How to get to the Santo Domingo Convent#
The convent, church, and chapel complex is located opposite the Plaza de Santo Domingo on Flores and Pereira Street. You can reach this destination in your vehicle, via VIP transportation, on the Quito City Tour by Tour Bus, on the Quito Metro, or a private one-day tour.
In own vehicle
You can find public parking in the historical center area if you drive. However, the streets are narrow, and traffic can be heavy.
In VIP transport
Another way to get to the Convent of Santo Domingo is to use the VIP transportation service, which is the safest way to get around Quito. If you want comfortable and secure transportation to this city destination, contact us by WhatsApp.
Quito City Tour by Quito Tour Bus
Quito Tour Bus, the only double-decker tourist bus in the city, takes you safely and pleasantly to the historic center of Quito. If you go to the Santo Domingo church on the Quito Tour Bus, you must get off at the San Francisco stop and walk towards Flores Street, which is quite close. The Hop On Hop Off Quito Tour Bus system allows you to visit the place and then return to the bus to continue the tour. You can get on and off the bus as many times as you want for the duration of your ticket.
By Quito Metro
To reach this destination on the city subway, you must get off at the “San Francisco” station, the metro station closest to the Santo Domingo church, located four blocks from this tourist place. The walk from the “San Francisco” stop to the Compañía church takes approximately ten minutes.
Private day tour
Another option to get to this site is to do it on a day tour, which is one of the best visiting options since you can tour the church at your own pace while a designated driver will take care of all the logistical details. If you are looking for a day tour, Contact us by WhatsApp for more information.
When you should visit the Santo Domingo Convent#
The Convent of Santo Domingo is a tourist destination that can be visited throughout the year. Attending this site on a night tour is recommended, as you will be able to appreciate the incredible architecture of the illuminated church. A good time to visit this religious building is at the end of November and the beginning of December, a period in which the founding of the capital of Ecuador is celebrated since countless events are held in the historic center.
Frecuently Asked Questions#
Who built the church of Santo Domingo in Quito?
Built at the end of the 16th century, according to plans by Francisco de Becerra, it was completed in the mid-17th century. The church of Santo Domingo was subjected to various reconstructions, and its internal appearance changed significantly starting in the 19th century (Centro Virtual Cervantes. 1997-2024. Iglesia de Santo Domingo).
Visiting hours
