10 Architectural Buildings in Quito That You Shouldn't Miss

December 8, 2021 Merry Kessler

With a rich pre-Colombian history, Ecuador's capital was founded on the ruins of an Incan city but offers everything a modern traveler might need. It remains the least-altered historic center in Latin America and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito’s important sites include baroque gems like San Francisco and Santo Domingo monasteries, as well as La Compañía church and college. This huge city sprawls across a breathtaking Andean valley surrounded by volcanic peaks.
Restaurants in Quito

1. Fundacion Iglesia de la Compania

Garcia Moreno N 10-43, Quito 170150 Ecuador +(593)2584175 [email protected] http://fundacioniglesiadelacompania.org.ec/portal/
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
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4.5 based on 4,974 reviews

Fundacion Iglesia de la Compania

This Jesuit church is a masterpiece of baroque and Quiteno-colonial art with lavish golden altars and gilded columns, making it one of the most ornate structures in Ecuador.

Reviewed By tomy476 - Chicago, United States

Fundación Iglesia de la Compañía is a must see visit while in Quito. The $5 entry for tourists is well worth it. From floor to ceilings the cathedral of an overload of beauty for the eyes with gold inlay everywhere, carvings, statues, murals... While there Without a guided tour I listened in on a few guided groups and would recommend doing that. If you want, this would be an ideal place for a longer silent spiritual retreat like visit to take the beauty in...

2. Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco

Cuenca 477 y Sucre, Quito 170150 Ecuador https://www.franciscanos.ec/iglesia-y-convento-de-san-francisco-quito/
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
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4.5 based on 1,677 reviews

Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco

Established in 1536 by Franciscan monks, this magnificent architectural masterpiece features a museum in its convent with art from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

Reviewed By georgesB4777WE - Miami Beach, United States

This is the oldest church in Quito (from the 16th century) and one of the most beautiful. Though one can argue that the Jesuit one is more “uber” than this church, it, nevertheless is “uber-magnificent” also. It is relatively plain from the outside, but its baroque inside explodes and takes your breath away. The main altar and the side altars are beautifully gilded and carved. Its decorated ceilings remind me of a Moorish design, probably coming from Spain. Every inch of the interior is covered with gilt or art. A site that cannot be missed. The admission to the church is free and photos during services are prohibited. The convent and museum next door however, charges a $4 admission fee and has a separate entrance.

3. Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo)

Santo Domingo y Puerto Rico, Quito 170150 Ecuador
Excellent
50%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 161 reviews

Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo)

This church is famous for its magnificent religious sculpture and the image of the Virgin, which was a gift from Charles V of Spain.

4. Catedral Metropolitana de Quito

Venezuela y Espejo 715, Quito 170150 Ecuador 2570-371 http://www.catedraldequito.org
Excellent
44%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
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4.5 based on 462 reviews

Catedral Metropolitana de Quito

The city’s main cathedral contains the tomb of Field Marshal Antonio Jose de Sucre, Quito’s liberator, and The Holy Shroud, a magnificent 18th-century sculpture by Manuel Chili Caspicara.

Reviewed By MichelDoortmont - Groningen, The Netherlands

A good example of an early Spanish colonial cathedral with local details, with added museum. Apart from the many chapels and the great exterior and interior of the building, what struck us was the friendly atmosphere inside. When we visited, a children's choir was practicing and his was a joy to attend. Friendly people too, who are quite willing to engage socially.

5. El Sagrario

Gabriel Garcia Moreno y Espejo, Quito 170150 Ecuador
Excellent
43%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
7%
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4.5 based on 99 reviews

El Sagrario

Located around the corner of Plaza Independencia, this magnificent building was originally built as the Cathedral’s chapel and is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Quito.

Reviewed By georgesB4777WE - Miami Beach, United States

This is a church which is literally adjacent to the Metropolitan Cathedral. I found it to be more imposing and richer in decoration than the cathedral. It’s beautiful altar stand outs along with a nice and airy dome and a blue ceiling. It feels so different from the cathedral. I would call to your attention the intricately carved massive doors in the rear of the church. Another church in Quito that you should visit.

6. Basilica del Voto Nacional

Carchi 122 y Venezuela., Quito 170150 Ecuador 099936644 http://www.facebook.com/BasilicaDelVotoNacional
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
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4.5 based on 3,861 reviews

Basilica del Voto Nacional

Considered the largest church in Quito, this impressive building features fine bronze doors, colorful stained glass windows and a tower with sweeping views of the city.

Reviewed By Dorito50 - Washington DC, United States

A church that reminded us of Notre Dame in Paris is the last thing we expected in Quito, but that was the magnificent Basilica del Voto Nacional. Admission is $1/pp. There is a separate $2/pp to go to the roof and the cupola over looking the grounds and the city. All well- spent. The grounds themselves are lovely and worth wandering. Besides the magnificent architecture and stained glass inside, each province has donated artwork that fill side altars and is fascinating for its variety and insights into the different parts of Ecuador. An exquisite silent chapel behind the main altar is easy to miss but shouldn’t be. We are not religious but found it easy to spend more than an hour here altogether and would have tarried longer if it had not been closing time.

7. Casa de Los Geranios

Juan de Dios Morales, Quito 170150 Ecuador +593 99 100 9033
Excellent
71%
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29%
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4.5 based on 7 reviews

Casa de Los Geranios

8. El Palacio de Gobierno

Avenida Chile Entre Venezuela Y Garcia Moreno, Quito 170150 Ecuador +593 2-382-7000 http://www.presidencia.gob.ec/visitas-guiadas
Excellent
50%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
10%
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4.5 based on 953 reviews

El Palacio de Gobierno

Reviewed By outdoor52 - Berkeley, United States

Visiting the Presidential Palace was one of the highlights of our visit to Quito. You have to have a reservation which the visitor information desk across the Plaza kindly took care of for us. Our guide kindly gave us a tour in English and the history in the early galleries is fascinating. We saw a special exhibit of many statues of Mary from the region that was also very interesting as our guide was able to explain the symbolism to us.

9. Palacio de la Vicepresidencia

Sebastian de Benalcazar, N 4-40, Quito 170150 Ecuador
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
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4.5 based on 3 reviews

Palacio de la Vicepresidencia

10. Palacio Arzobispal

Calle Chile Corner with Venezuela street, in the Independence Square, Quito 170150 Ecuador
Excellent
28%
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40%
Satisfactory
30%
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2%
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4.0 based on 43 reviews

Palacio Arzobispal

This beautiful building is located along the north side of the Plaza de Independencia.

Reviewed By WilliamThomas - Cheltenham, United Kingdom

This palace has been converted into an area with multiple land uses. There is a food court as well as many kinds of shops! The food court is great and has a central plaza that is conducive to relaxation. The whole place is very aesthetic and well designed and some of the best restaurants in the city can be found here. The ambiance is relaxing and quiet, but sociable.

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