When Pedro de Heredia founded the city in 1533, part of his entourage were Dominican friars. Their first simple monastery was built during the early 16th century. It was destroyed by fire in 1552. Today’s Plaza de Santo Domingo was selected for the church’s replacement. Construction dragged on until the end of the 17th century. The exterior of Iglesia de Santo Domingo is rather plain. However, inside is this beautiful marble altarpiece beneath the nave’s 33 foot blue ceiling.
