 A couple of decades later, it was decided that expansion was needed and the first church on the Santo Domingo site was consecrated in 1590.Around it was built the monastery, funded by Philip II of Spain, with four patios which divided the monks and laypeople associated with the monastery by rank as well as a main hall, a rectory, a library and an infirmary.However, poor construction, the soft soil and earthquakes made rebuilding a necessity.