It was built on a space that comprised twenty-four lots, equivalent to several hectares, which were donated to the Dominicans 20 years prior.

The former convent of San Pablo, which was the first temple built, fell into ruins due to the earthquakes in 1603, 1604, and 1608

Due to the deterioration of this temple, the Dominicans temporarily moved to the Cuilapan convent. The new temple was inaugurated in 1608, although the main altarpiece was not installed until 1612. The convent and the garden, which later became a magnificent botanical garden, were completed in 1619. In 1623, the convent was elevated to the status of a university, where theology and philosophy classes were taught.

In 1659, the plasterwork, gilding of the vaults, and gilding of the convent's staircase cover began. By 1660, the towers were completed, and in 1666, the interior vaults, staircases, and towers were considered finished. The Chapel of the Rosary was built between 1724 and 1731.

In 1812, it was occupied by the insurgent army during the Independence movement, and during the Reform era in 1859, it was used to house the army, resulting in the destruction of most of its altarpieces and scraping off the gold leaf.

In 1902, Porfirio Díaz returned the temple to the religious order, and in 1933, the property was declared a historical monument. Between 1956 and 1959, the main altarpieces of the temple and the Chapel of the Rosary were restored. In 1972, a significant part of the structure was restored, and the atrium was remodeled.

In 1979, Pope John Paul II offered a mass in this beautiful temple.

The main façade is entirely made of green quarry stone, and its simplicity contrasts with the exuberant baroque style of the interiors. The domes are covered with tiles.

The temple's decoration is a jewel of Mexican baroque style. It has a cross-shaped floor plan and 10 chapels. The nave is covered by a barrel vault with arches decorated with ovals, circles, and medallions depicting biblical characters in gold-plated reliefs. It includes the exceptional genealogical tree of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and 36 paintings representing passages from the Old Testament. Fine carpentry, ironwork, sculptures, paintings, and reliefs can be observed throughout the nave.

The temple's decoration is sumptuous and elaborate, with most walls and ceilings covered in brightly colored stucco decoration and gold leaf. The beautiful Rosary Chapel, adorned in gold, and its exquisite main altarpiece are also noteworthy.