Iglesia Santo Domingo, La Paz

Santo Domingo Temple (Iglesia Santo Domingo), founded in 1590 as part of the Santo Domingo convent, is one of La Paz's oldest. Its location is strategically set between Ingavi Street and Yanaconcha Street, an area that pulsates with the city's vibrant culture.

The temple's design, conceived by Francisco Jiménez de Singuenza in 1609, is a remarkable example of the Mestizo Baroque style. This style, prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries, is a fusion of Indigenous and European artistic elements. The façade, carved in 1760, is an impressive display of this style, featuring Solomonic columns adorned with grape bunches. The upper part of the façade is equally striking, with a window showcasing motifs of parrots and papayas, typical of Mestizo Baroque.

Inside, the temple underwent a significant transformation in the 19th century, adopting a Neoclassical style. This shift is especially evident in its private chapel, boasting a Mudejar-type coffered ceiling – a unique blend of Moorish and Christian design elements.

The portico of the temple is another highlight. It showcases an abundance of decorations inspired by the fauna and flora of La Paz's subtropical region. Winged angel faces on columns and an angel in viceregal attire above the entrance enhance its charm, with the highlight being a creator God portrayed as an elderly figure amid clouds. This mix of religious and regional elements underscores the temple's significance in reflecting the cultural identity of La Paz.

The most recent restoration, conducted in the late 1990s under Monsignor Luis Camacho Hidalgo's direction, ensured the preservation of this architectural jewel. Today, the Iglesia Santo Domingo remains a focal point of cultural and historical importance in La Paz, inviting both locals and visitors to explore its rich legacy.