Church and Convent of los Dominicos facts for kids
The Church and Convent of los Dominicos in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is a very old and important building. It is one of the oldest churches in the Americas that's still used today. According to UNESCO, it was also the home of the first university in the Americas. Today, it is part of the Colonial City, which is a special World Heritage Site.
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A Look Back: The Church's History
The Church and Convent of los Dominicos is one of the oldest European buildings in the Americas. Its construction started when the Dominican Order arrived in Santo Domingo around 1510.
By 1517, Dominican friars were already living in the convent, even though it wasn't fully built. The church was almost finished by 1530. It was officially opened between 1531 and 1532. Famous friars like Pedro de Córdoba, Reginaldo de Montesino, Bartolomé de las Casas, and Antonio de Montesinos were there. Antonio de Montesinos gave a famous speech in 1511. He spoke out against how the native people were being treated. This speech started important discussions about human rights in the New World.
The First University in the Americas
In 1534, the convent began teaching classes. Then, in 1538, it became the first university in the Americas. It was called the Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino. Later, it became known as the Primate University of America. Today, it is the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD). This university was started with a special permission from Pope Paul III. It was similar to the famous University of Salamanca in Spain.
One of the main subjects taught at this university was Theology, which is the study of religious beliefs. Many important people from the Caribbean and mainland Americas studied here. In the 1540s, the church was a very important center for learning and education.
Amazing Architecture and Art
The church and convent have a beautiful outside look. You can see different styles of architecture like Gothic, Isabelline Gothic, and Baroque. These styles were very popular in buildings of that time, not just in the Dominican Republic but all over the Americas.
Inside the building, there are valuable statues and images. These were made by the brothers Jorge and Ajejo Fernández from Seville, Spain. In the early 1500s, the church also had five special altarpieces. These were created by Juan Martínez Montañés, one of the most famous Spanish painters of the colonial period.
Changes Over Time
Over many years, the church has gone through big changes and some damage. In 1545, a hurricane caused damage. Later, when the famous pirate Francis Drake visited, he respected the church and did not harm it.
However, two strong earthquakes hit the island in 1684 and 1673. These earthquakes badly damaged the church's roof and some rooms. In 1746, the building was repaired and rebuilt. It was given a new look with the Baroque style.
In 1825, the Haitian government closed the church. But later, it became a home for different religious groups. In 1954, the Dominicans returned to the country and got their old home back.
The Chapel of the Zodiac
Inside the church, there is a special place called the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary. It was built in 1649. This chapel honored the Virgin of the Rosary, who is the patron saint of the Dominicans.
When the church was rebuilt in 1746, the Campuzano Polanco family, who owned the chapel, made changes. They replaced the old wooden roof with a new, curved ceiling called a barrel vault. This vault is very unique! It is decorated with the twelve signs of the Zodiac around the sun. That's why it's also called the "Chapel of the Zodiac." You can also see other figures like the Twelve Olympians representing the four seasons. This chapel is one of a kind in the Americas. It is also one of only three vaults in the world with astrological pictures, along with chapels in Salamanca and Río Seco.
Where to Find It
The Church and Convent of los Dominicos is located on Calle Padre Billini. You can find it in the Colonial area of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Dominican Republic.
Gallery
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Church and Convent of los Dominicos in a photo of 1940.
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Bell tower
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Detail of the upper part of the main entrance
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Rose window and azulejos in the facade
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Rib vault
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Interior
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Cloister
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Chapel
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Colonial painting
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Grave slab of the Campuzano Polanco family (made in 1758)
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Plan of the convent
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Replica of the "Homeless Jesus" sculpture of Timothy Schmalz at front of the convent
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See also
In Spanish: Iglesia y Convento de los Dominicos (Santo Domingo) para niños
- Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino
- List of colonial buildings in Santo Domingo
- List of oldest buildings in the Americas
