Notaría de la Parroquia de Santo Domingo

The Notariat at the Parish of Santo Domingo is an architectural treasure located in the heart of the colonial city of Zacatecas. This majestic church, built by the Jesuits in the mid-18th century, is considered one of the most significant religious buildings in Mexico. It impresses not only with its austere facade but also with its incredibly rich interior decoration.

The crown jewel of the temple is its eight unique Baroque retablos, carved from wood and covered in gold leaf. These are one-of-a-kind altarpieces in the city, making the interior truly dazzling. The meticulous work of architect Ignacio Calderón allowed for the creation of a space where every element is steeped in history and spirituality.

Today, this site serves as both an important religious landmark and the active parish notary's office, which is reflected in its name. For tourists, it is a rare opportunity to touch a living legacy of the past, exploring the quiet halls of the sacristy and admiring the unique red organ, whose carvings are inspired by pre-Hispanic motifs.

If you need to clarify information about mass times or cultural events, you can contact the parish representatives directly. The Notariat at the Parish of Santo Domingo is located in the central part of the city at Genaro Codina 722, and is easy to find by following the historic quarters.

A visit to this place is, above all, an aesthetic delight and an immersion into Baroque art. Be sure to take the time to study the eight gilded retablos, each with its own unique dedication—from the souls in purgatory to the Virgin of Guadalupe. While examining them, you can notice the finest craftsmanship of the masters, preserved through the centuries.

Don't miss the chance to peek into the octagonal sacristy, which is under INAH protection. It houses valuable relics, canvases by Francisco Martínez, and ancient mesquite wood furniture dating back nearly three hundred years. Also worth noting is the choir loft, home to a rare 18th-century red Baroque organ adorned with unique carvings.

For those interested in history, the crypts containing the burials of patrons and the halls displaying gold and silver-embroidered colonial-era clerical vestments will be of interest. The temple's tranquil atmosphere invites leisurely contemplation, and during mass or organ concerts, one can fully experience the grandeur of this spiritual center.

The attraction is located at Genaro Codina 722, in the heart of the historic center. The most convenient way to get here is on foot, as the church is just two blocks west of the famous Cathedral. A walk from the main square, Plaza de Armas, will take no more than 5–7 minutes through picturesque colonial streets.

If you are arriving in the city via Zacatecas Airport (ZCL), the easiest option is to use an official taxi or book a transfer. The trip to the center takes about 30–40 minutes. From the main bus station (Central de Autobuses), you can also take a local bus or taxi; the journey will take about 15–20 minutes.

For those traveling by rental car, keep in mind that parking in the city center is very limited and most streets are quite narrow. It is better to leave your car in one of the paid parking lots nearby and continue on foot to enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient city.

The history of this site began as early as 1577 with a small hermitage called San Sebastián, built by Juan Agustín. Later, at the end of the 16th century, the territory was handed over to the Jesuits, who arrived in the city for missionary work. Construction of the current majestic building took place between 1746 and 1749 under the direction of the talented architect Ignacio Calderón, funded by the order and private patrons.

In 1767, after the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spanish territories, the church was empty for a time, but by 1785, it was occupied by the Dominicans, who gave it the name Santo Domingo. Despite the change of orders, the church preserved many original elements, including the coat of arms of the Zaldívar family—the main patrons of the construction—which can still be seen today on the walls of the presbytery in memory of Vicente Zaldívar Mendoza.

One of the dramatic moments in the church's history was the fire of 1748, which almost completely destroyed the main altar. It had to be restored in a more restrained Neoclassical style, creating an interesting architectural contrast with the lush Baroque of the other altars. Today, the site is protected by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) as a priceless monument of the viceregal period's heritage.

For a quick tour of the main nave and the gilded altars, a typical visitor will need about 30–60 minutes. This is usually enough time to enjoy the architecture and take memorable photos of the interior.

However, if you plan to take a tour of the sacristy, carefully study the collection of 18th-century paintings, and go up to the choir loft, you should allow at least an hour and a half for your visit. Additionally, the duration may increase if you decide to stay for a service or attend one of the rare organ concerts, when the church walls fill with the majestic sound of the ancient instrument.

The parish doors are open to visitors daily, though the schedule is divided into morning and evening intervals on weekdays. From Monday to Friday, the temple welcomes guests from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and after an afternoon break from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. These times are convenient for both morning walks and evening visits before dinner in the city center.

On weekends, Saturday and Sunday, the Notariat at the Parish of Santo Domingo operates without a midday break—from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is recommended to plan your visit outside of formal worship service times to freely explore all the interior details and gilded altars.

The central part of the city is literally scattered with interesting sites, and a visit to the Santo Domingo parish can easily be combined with a walk to other iconic locations. Exploring the surrounding area can significantly enrich your travel experience, revealing new facets of the local culture.

Nearby, you will find both quiet historic alleys with unique architecture and modern entertainment venues suitable for the whole family.