Churches


La Catedral

Most of Quito´s churches are located in the old town. There are several churches in Quito and the most famous being:

The Cathedral is located at Plaza de la Independencia and you can visit it from 08h00 -10h00 and 14h00 - 16h00 from Monday to Saturday. 

San Francisco is located in the traditional San Francisco. Visiting hours are from 09h00 -11h00 and 15h00 - 18h00. Monday through Saturday. This famous church was the first religious building constructed in South America after Spanish conquest. The main altar holds the original "La Virgen de Quito". 

Santo Domingo is located at plaza de Santo Domingo. Visiting hours are from 15h00 -17h00. Monday through Friday. Iglesia of Santo Domingo maintains of its original splendor. The ceiling and main aisle are panelled in a Moorish motif. Also, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary that was given to the church as a gift from Charles V o Spain.

El Sagrario is situated round the corner of Plaza Independencia and is known as one of the most beautiful churches in Quito. It was originally the main chapel of the Cathedral for the cult of Blessed Sacrament. Typical of Legarda's work, there are beautiful coluns with faces of angels carved into them, and the whole area is shrouded in foliage.

La Compaņia de Jesus is  situated right across from El Sagrario. La Compaņia de Jesus is one of the richest churches in South America. The splendor that meets yours eyes as you enter it is unforgettable. The vaulted ceilings and walls are beautiful with moorish ornamentation. Perfect harmony is represented in the main altar and the Salomonic columns of the facade.   

Convento de La Merced is a beautiful stone fountain in one corner of the patio contain figures of the evangelists carved on its base. It has the oldest clock in Quito and the Basilica is the largest church in Quito and has a wonderful view from the top.

Santurio de Guapulo is one of the most beautiful churches in Quito is situated in the north in the "pueblo" of Guapulo. Basilica of Guapulo was constructed in 1693 but refurbished in the late 1990s. You can walk down from Hotel Quito to the basillica.