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Puebla Church of Santo Domingo 
The Church of Santo Domingo, officially known as the Convent Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, was constructed in the New Spanish Baroque architectural style between 1572 and 1608 on the site of a temple dedicated to the Zapotec ruler Cosijoeza (1450–1529). During the Mexican War of Independence (1810 – 1821) it served as barracks and in 1935 it was designated as a national monument. In 1987 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Built in local stone, in the historic centre of Puebla, just a few blocks from the main square (Zocalo). it features two bell towers. The main bell tower is a prominent feature of the building's facade. It houses several large bells, each with its own unique sound. The most famous is the Campana María, which weighs around 8 tons. The bells have been carefully maintained and preserved and undergone regular cleaning, tuning, and repair. The second, smaller bell tower is connected to the Chapel of the Rosary, which is located within the church complex, these bells are used for special religious ceremonies and events. The façade features elaborate stone carvings which depict religious scenes, saints, and ornamental motifs. Niches house statues of important saints, including Saint Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order. It also incorporates columns and pilasters which add to the verticality and grandeur of the facade.  The entrance is framed by an arch that is decorated with Baroque elements. This includes the stone carvings of various religious motifs, including saints, angels, and floral patterns. On entry, near the entrance, is a crucifix crafted from wood, which features detailed carvings.  This leads into the interior the church with its Latin cross floor plan and high ceilings, ornately decorated with stucco reliefs and intricate designs.  The walls are adorned with colourful frescoes depicting the life of Christ and the history of the Dominican Order. At the far end of the nave is the main altar which provides the focal point of the church and is a masterpiece of Baroque design. This incorporates an extensive use of gold leaf, making it shine with a brilliant glow. Statues and icons of saints and the Virgin Mary convey a sense of reverence. The Retablo, located behind the altar, is made of intricately carved wood and covered by gold leaf. It contains images, either flat paintings or statues. A statue of the Virgin is placed in a glass case framed by corinthian-capped pillars. Above her are several more figures, including that of Jesus.  On each side of the nave are additional altars.   Along the nave, there are several side chapels dedicated to various saints and religious figures, each with its own unique decorations and altarpieces.    The most famous chapel is the Chapel of the Rosary which is a beautiful example of 17th-century New Spanish Baroque architecture and was considered an architectural marvel of its time, earning it in the 17th century, the title of the "eighth wonder of the world". Famous for its lavish use of gold leaf and its beautiful blue and white ceramic tiles, known as Talavera de Puebla, a type of traditional Mexican ceramic, which form a gigantic rosary with each bead represented as an angel's head. The chapel was built between 1650 and 1690 and has a gilded dome adorned with 60 angelic figures and an ornate altar honouring the Virgin Mary.  It also features statues and six paintings that tell the story of Jesus, with the Virgin Mary prominently featured. The walls and ceilings are decorated with detailed stucco reliefs, depicting various religious scenes and figures. The craftsmanship is remarkable, with each figure and ornament meticulously crafted. 
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All Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
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