Built in 1547 by the Dominicans, the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán (Av. 20 de Noviembre near Nicaragua) is arguably the most impressive church of the many churches found in San Cristóbal. It has a gorgeous baroque facade covered with intricately carved mortar, Solomonic columns, and statues tucked into ornate niches—much of it carved by indigenous workers.

The interior is equally impressive, its pulpit covered in gold carvings and backed by countless retablos (religious paintings) that are offered in gratitude for answered prayers. Don’t miss visiting El Rosario chapel, which has gorgeous baroque altarpieces as well as the Holy Trinity of Santo Domingo, considered a masterpiece of Central American colonial sculpture.

In the church’s courtyard, there’s a daily outdoor artesanía market; in the attached ex-convent there’s also the award-winning weavers co-op Sna Jolobil (Ex-Convento del Templo de Santo Domingo, Av. 20 de Noviembre near Nicaragua, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4–7 p.m. Mon.–Sat.) and the Museo de los Altos de Chiapas (Ex-Convento del Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Av. 20 de Noviembre near Nicaragua, tel. 967/678-1609, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, US$4).