Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, at an altitude of 2,850 m, the capital of Ecuador has, despite the 1917 earthquake, the best preserved and least modified historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and the Jesuit College of La Compania with their rich interior decorations are pure examples of the "Baroque School of Quito" which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art.

Location and site: Quito, located at about 2,800 m. above sea level, on two flanks of the Pichincha Volcano, is in the midst of the Andean landscape.

Foundation: 1534 A.D.

Historic function(s): Politics and culture.

Administrative status: National capital and chief city of the Province of Pichincha