Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo)

Santo Domingo Church features a beautiful facade and lovely interiors with arched columns and a central dome with a skylight. While it’s not as frequently visited as the more famous Metropolitan Cathedral, a mere block away, it’s an inviting spot for quiet reflection or prayer, without the big crowds. You can visit the church independently or see it as part of a private, customizable tour of Santiago.

• The church is a must-see for travelers interested in history and architecture.

• As Santo Domingo Church is an active place of worship, remember to be quiet while inside.

• Three small steps lead to the church, so entering may be challenging for wheelchair users.

The church is set in the heart of the city, making it easy to reach by taxi, hop-on, hop-off bus, or public transportation. It's just a block away from the Plaza de Armas (on Lines 3 and 5 of the Santiago Metro) and about a 7-minute walk from the Puente Cal y Canto station (on Lines 2 and 3).

The church is open every day of the week, with Mass held on Sundays and on many holidays and feast days, so if you plan to visit on a Sunday, it's better to come later in the day to avoid disturbing a service. If you'd like to attend Mass, check with the church or a local guide for up-to-date information.

Among Santiago's most impressive structures, the Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) is a prominent sight on tours of the city. Like Santo Domingo Church, the building was constructed where other churches previously stood. It looks right out over the Plaza de Armas and, with its detailed facade and huge towers, the cathedral is quite hard to miss.