Monasterio de Santo Domingo, Antigua Guatemala facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Convent and Church of the Order of Preachers |
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Iglesia y convento de Santo Domingo (Spanish)
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Monastery courtyard
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Spanish seismic baroque |
| Location | Antigua Guatemala,  Guatemala |
| Coordinates | 14°33′30.928″N 90°43′36.430″W / 14.55859111°N 90.72678611°W |
| Demolished |
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| Owner | Private property |
The Santo Domingo Church and Monastery is a beautiful old building in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala. It is now mostly in ruins, but it has a very long and interesting history. This special place was once a busy home for a group of priests called the Dominicans. They first arrived in Guatemala way back in 1538.
Contents
A Look at Santo Domingo's Past
How It Began
The Dominicans were one of the first religious groups to come to Guatemala. They started building their church and monastery in the 1500s. It was a very important place for them. The monastery grew to be quite large and impressive.
What It Looked Like
Imagine a grand building with two tall towers. These towers held ten bells that would ring out across the city. Inside, the monastery was filled with many valuable items. It had beautiful art, religious treasures, and important books. It was a place of learning and worship.
When Earthquakes Struck
Life in Antigua Guatemala has always been affected by earthquakes. The Santo Domingo Monastery faced big challenges because of them.
- In 1751, a strong earthquake caused a lot of damage.
- Then, in 1773, the terrible Santa Marta earthquake hit. This earthquake was so powerful that it destroyed much of the monastery. It left the grand building in ruins.
Santo Domingo Today
Even though the monastery was destroyed, its story didn't end there. Today, parts of the old ruins have been carefully restored. They have been turned into a beautiful hotel called the Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. Visitors can stay there and explore the ancient walls. It's a unique way to experience history. The hotel helps keep the memory of this important place alive.
