Admire an exciting combination of architectural styles, explore gilded chambers andappreciate stunning paintings in one of the South America’s oldestchurches.
Explore the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito (Catedral Metropolitana de Quito) to experience the religious, political andartistic heritage of the city. This 16th-century cathedral is one ofthe city’s oldest and mixes a number of architectural styles. Admire aneclectic combination of Gothic-Mudéjar (Moorish), Baroque and neoclassicaldesigns. Since the 16th century, the cathedral has survived majorearthquakes in 1660 and 1797. Its diverse styles are due to the reconstructionsthat followed these damaging years.
The best views of the cathedral arefound from Independence Square, also known as Plaza Grande. From here, you’ll see thenortheast face and the pretty semicircular staircase leading to the cathedral’slavish Arch of Carondelet entrance. Get to the cathedral by crossing theplaza’s garden paths and a 16th-century ravine that once served as a defensiveconstruct. As you approach, note the cathedrals three green domes and adecorated bell tower on the cathedral’s right side. A distinct feature of the roof decorations is arooster-shaped weather vane, which has been the subject of many local myths.
Inside the cathedral, enjoy a vast spacecharacterised by pretty wooden carvings, Moorish details and a stunning goldenfrieze. The church’s domes allow light through, filling the space with thesun’s rays. Browse a collection of illuminated artworks, which depict saintsand matyrs in gold leaf borders. This church also houses the tombs of many Ecuadoriancardinals, presidents and other celebrated historical figures, includingAntonio José de Sucre, who was pivotal in South America’s campaign forindependence from Spain.
Find Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito on thesouth-western side of Independence Square in the Old Town. Get there on foot oruse Quito’s network of trolleybuses. It is open daily and charges an entry fee.For an informative visit, book a guided tour for an extra fee. Be sure to takea tour up the cathedral’s highest dome, from where you can enjoy stunning viewsof the city while you learn about its history and legends.
