Like all major South American cities, Ecuador’s capital has a large number of churches. They feature a variety of architectural styles, from Baroque to Gothic to Neoclassical, and reflect a mix of Spanish and indigenous influences. They are often the main monuments in Quito’s historic city centre, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The Catholic Church also played a central role in colonisation and for a long time retained a strong influence on political power. Religious buildings are therefore not only places of worship, but also reflect the heritage of the colonial period, history and national identity. The churches of Quito form one of the most remarkable groups of religious buildings in America.

Cathedral

Occupying the entire south side of the Plaza Grande in the centre of the capital, adjacent to the presidential palace, Quito’s metropolitan cathedral is at the heart of the country’s life. Construction began in 1562 and continued for almost 70 years. Since then, several alterations have been necessary following earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

While the exterior is rather austere, with simple whitewashed walls, the interior reveals elaborate decoration. The main altar and choir stalls are carved from dark wood and adorned with gold leaf. The nave and chapels boast a fine collection of colonial religious art.

San Francisco

The San Francisco monastery covers an entire city block in Quito’s historic centre, a site previously occupied by the Inca royal palace before the Spanish conquest. Construction of the new religious complex began in 1537 and lasted for the best part of 150 years.

Today, the monastery contains a large public church and several cloisters. Sports grounds also occupy its perimeter, used for educational, health and cultural activities. This illustrates the active involvement of the Catholic Church in the social life of the population.

La Compañía

Named after the Company of Jesus, the Jesuits’ religious organisation. The first Jesuits arrived in Quito well after the Spanish conquest, and divided their time between evangelising the indigenous population and providing education. The church was built between 1605 and 1765, with the interior decoration covered in gold leaf.

The Jesuits then founded the country’s first university in 1622, which still exists today and even teaches Quechua, the indigenous language long disregarded by the conquerors. The library contains over 20,000 books.

Normally, visitors have to pay to enter the church, although it is possible to sneak in free of charge at mass time. However, people get chased away if they take photos too openly. A way of protecting business.

Church of Carmen Bajo

The convent and its church were originally founded in 1653 by Carmelite nuns from Lima. After an earthquake, they moved to new premises in Quito in 1698. The cloistered convent has preserved centuries-old traditions and remains active today, renowned for its handmade confectionery.

La Merced

The Basilica de la Merced in Quito, built between 1701 and 1737, is a fine example of colonial architecture with its austere white façade. The adjoining convent is still in use, and includes a peaceful cloister right in the centre of the city. A rich library contains over 22,000 books.

San Blas church

The San Blas church stands on the edge of Quito’s historic centre. Although the parish church dates back to 1568, the current church was rebuilt in the 18th century. The church was originally intended for the indigenous population, so the influence of Andean traditions is more evident here than elsewhere in the interior decoration.

El Belén

El Belén is another example of a modest colonial church. Rebuilt towards the end of the 18th century, it was originally part of a small convent and served a modest local parish.

Basílica del Voto Nacional

Construction began in 1892, following the example of the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe, and in particular that of France, with Bourges serving as the closest inspiration. In 1985, Pope John Paul II came to bless the future church. The basilica remains officially unfinished in order to guard against some superstitions. It is intended to serve as a national pantheon, its crypt already containing the tombs of several Presidents of the Republic.

The 20th century also saw the installation of the Virgin of Panecillo, at the top of the hill of the same name. Since 1975, the 45-metre-high winged aluminium Virgin has watched over the city of Quito.