The Rosary Chapel in the Church of Santo Domingo, Puebla

Templo de Santo Domingo, Puebla

Inside the rather sedate looking Templo de Santo Domingo in Puebla, Mexico, lies an unbelievable treasure. The Capilla del Rosario — the Rosary Chapel — is one of Mexico’s most beautiful baroque chapels.

The Rosary Chapel was built between 1650-1690, added on to the Santo Domingo church (1571-1611), which itself dates from the late 1500s. This was the first chapel in Mexico dedicated to the Lady of the Rosary. Tradition says that the Virgin Mary gave the rosary to Saint Dominic, the founder of the Dominican order.The inside of the Rosary Chapel is covered with paintings, sculptures, and above all, gold. Many surfaces are covered in gold leaf. Light enters from above and the interior is so brilliant that it makes it difficult to even get good photos. I’ve tried to capture the essence of the Chapel in the photos below. I’m sorry to say they really don’t do it justice — you’ll just have to visit and see for yourself! Click the photos to view larger versions.