Iglesia and Convento Regina Angelorum (Church and Convent of Regina Angelorum), Santo Domingo

The Church and Convent of Regina Angelorum stand as one of the most meaningful religious landmarks in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, carrying a history that links architectural heritage with the early presence of women in the cultural life of the Americas. The current church, completed in 1722, rose on the foundations of an earlier 1560s structure that suffered damage from an earthquake and from Francis Drake’s 1586 raid. Its creation marked an important chapter in the region’s spiritual development: Regina Angelorum became the second convent in the Americas and the very first established for nuns, later home to the continent’s earliest female poets and, for a period, a school for young ladies. These roles give the complex a distinct place in the story of colonial education and religious life, making it more than just an architectural monument.

The exterior reflects quiet grandeur. The double bell tower is one of the most recognizable features on Calle Padre Billini, while the entrance façade displays elaborate sculptures that capture the attention of visitors approaching from the narrow, historic street. Inside, the church reveals a Gothic-style vault over the nave and an intricately decorated altar, elements that together create an atmosphere of solemnity and care. In 1866, the building underwent a new phase when Father Billini took charge of the property; his tomb remains at the altar as a reminder of the site’s later history.

Today, Regina Angelorum remains active and is occupied by Mercedarian nuns. Entry may require their permission, but viewing the structure from the street—and noting nearby attractions such as the Dominican Convent and the Dominican Memorial Museum—offers visitors a rich understanding of this quiet but significant landmark of the Colonial City.