Parroquia Santo Domingo De Guzman (Parish of Santo Domingo de Guzman), Malaga

The Parish of Santo Domingo de Guzman, commonly referred to as the Convent of Santo Domingo, is a historic religious site in Malaga dating back to the 15th century. Built shortly after the Christian conquest, the church originally stood outside the medieval city walls and served as part of a larger convent complex. Situated in the northern area of the El Perchel neighborhood on the right bank of the Guadalmedina River, it remains a significant architectural and cultural landmark.

The church serves as the base for key Holy Week brotherhoods in Malaga, including the Sorrows of the Bridge, the Humiliation, the Supper, and the Congregation of Mena, known for their iconic processions. It also hosts the centuries-old Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary. In the 17th century, Bishop Fray Alonso de Santo Tomas, an illegitimate son of King Philip IV, expanded and beautified the convent.

The church combines various architectural styles shaped by its history. Its irregular layout stems from the partial demolition of nearby buildings. Inside, three naves are divided by semicircular arches on cruciform pillars with Corinthian pilasters. The central nave features a half-barrel vault with medallions and lunettes, while the presbytery, reached through a triumphal arch, has a dome adorned with plant and angelic motifs. Side naves have quadrangular sections with hemispherical vaults, and chapels like the Chapel of the Rosary, housing a restored altarpiece saved from the 1931 convent fires, adjoin the naves.

The church contains several notable religious images, including a life-size depiction of San Martin de Porres carved in 2012 by Juan Paton. Other important figures represented are the Holy Virgin of the Rosary, Saint Catherine, and Saint Vincent Ferrer. For nearly five centuries, the church housed the revered images of the Sweet Name of Jesus Nazareno del Paso and María Santísima de la Esperanza, which were relocated to the Basilica of Hope in 1988.

The Parish of Santo Domingo de Guzman is not only a place of worship but also a testament to Malaga’s rich historical and cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.