The square houses a bronze statue of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, a heroine of the Mexican War of Independence.
The Portal de Santo Domingo arcades have functioned as a center for scribes and calligraphers since the colonial era.
The Church of Santo Domingo is the only surviving building of the first Dominican monastery established in New Spain in 1526.
During the colonial period, the area was known as the Plaza de la Inquisición because of its proximity to the Inquisition offices.
The current church building dates to 1736, replacing an earlier structure destroyed by flooding.
Plaza de Santo Domingo is one of the oldest squares in Mexico City, functioning historically as a secondary hub to the main Zócalo. The square is defined by the 18th-century Baroque Church of Santo Domingo and the Portal de Santo Domingo, a collection of colonial-era arcades. The site sits on the foundations of the palace of Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor. It served as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition in Mexico during the colonial period. Today, the arcades are famous for hosting traditional printing presses that produce everything from formal invitations to government documents. The surrounding architecture represents a significant concentration of Spanish Baroque influence in the Centro Histórico. It remains a center for local public records and professional writing services.
Under the arches of the Portal de Santo Domingo looking toward the church facade.
Observe the traditional printers in the arcades to see how manual typesetting and antique presses are still utilized.
Visit the church interior to view the intricate churrigueresque altarpieces.
Avoid engaging with unsolicited street services offered by individuals near the entrance of the arcades.
Do not purchase 'official' documents from street vendors in the portal, as these are often unregulated or fraudulent.
The church may restrict tourist access during scheduled mass services.
Maintain a quiet demeanor inside the church; photography should be discreet and avoid using flash during services.
