Plaza de Santo Domingo is a small colonial square in Mexico City's Centro Histórico, on República de Brasil street, about 800 metres north of the Templo Mayor. It sits on the site of the palace of Cuauhtémoc, the last tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, and takes its name from the Santo Domingo monastery. Nearly all of its 18th-century buildings are still standing. It is quieter than the Zócalo, with a church, market stalls, street performers and chairs for sitting. Plan one to two hours to walk around, look at the facades and watch the square.
From Cuauhtémoc's palace to the Inquisition
The square is built over what was the palace of Cuauhtémoc, the last tlatoani of Tenochtitlan. The Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Aztec capital, lies about 800 metres to the south, which places the plaza inside the old city.
In the colonial period the site took on a different role. Heretics were burned at the stake here during the Spanish Inquisition. The plaza was also the intellectual centre of the city in those years.
The monastery and the church
The plaza is named after the monastery of Santo Domingo. At its peak the monastery was one of the most important in New Spain. Today the Santo Domingo church is the main building on the square.
Next to the church is a nunnery about 300 years old. Its wooden beams, chandeliers and stone walls give it a rustic look, and people have stayed there.
The square today
Of all the plazas in the historic centre, this one has kept nearly all of its original 18th-century buildings. That makes the facades the main thing to look at, and the square is a good place for photographs.
The plaza is much smaller than the Zócalo and has a calmer pace. Market stalls and street performers are common, and live music and a small market appear at times. There are chairs where you can sit and watch the square.
The area also has a long association with forged documents, and the trade is carried on openly. It is part of the local story, but it is not something to take part in.
Planning your visit
The plaza is open 24 hours and is a public space, so there is nothing to book. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and there is a paid parking lot nearby.
Most visitors spend one to two hours here. It is easy to combine with the Templo Mayor to the south and the Zócalo, which is a short walk away. Some streets around the plaza are dirty and need repair, so wear comfortable shoes.
FAQ
Where is Plaza de Santo Domingo?
It is in Mexico City's Centro Histórico, on República de Brasil street, about 800 metres north of the Templo Mayor and northwest of the Zócalo.
How long do you need at Plaza de Santo Domingo?
One to two hours is enough to walk around the square, look at the buildings and sit for a while.
What is the history of the plaza?
It was built over the palace of Cuauhtémoc, the last tlatoani of Tenochtitlan. It is named after the Santo Domingo monastery, one of the most important in New Spain, and it kept nearly all of its 18th-century buildings.
Is Plaza de Santo Domingo wheelchair accessible?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible. Some streets around the plaza are in poor repair, so surfaces may be uneven.
Is the plaza open at night?
The plaza is listed as open 24 hours every day.
