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How many Famous Historic Churches in Quito, Ecuador:

We list all 27 famous historic churches in Quito + addresses. Indeed, the churches in Quito and Cuenca are significant cultural and historical landmarks that reflect the strong influence of the Roman Catholic Church in Ecuador's history. These churches serve not only as religious houses but also as architectural wonders and living museums that showcase the artistic and cultural heritage of Ecuador. While, the architectural designs were mostly made in Spain by Spanish architects, the colonial churches in Quito, such as the Church of San Francisco and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, are known for their unique design that combines European baroque and indigenous art and architecture, often ornamented with gold stolen from indigenous groups. These churches feature intricate carvings, ornate altarpieces, and magnificent frescoes that reflect the rich artistic traditions of the region.

These colonial churches, cathedrals, convents and monasteries in Quito are not only stunning examples of baroque and colonial architecture, but they also hold significant historical and cultural value of  the city and country. Each one has its own unique story to tell and offers visitors a glimpse into Quito's past. The dozen or so churches with gold-leaf interiors, such as the Compania de Jesus Church, are especially impressive and demonstrate the wealth and influence of the Catholic Church during the colonial period. The mausoleum of Antonio Jose de Sucre in the National Cathedral is a must-see for those interested in Ecuador's history, as Sucre played a crucial role in the country's independence from Spain. Visitors can also explore the cloistered convents, such as the Conception Church and Convent and the Santa Catalina Convent and Monastery, which offer a unique look into the lives of the nuns who lived there in seclusion. The San Francisco Church and Convent, now a museum, is another fascinating site that allows visitors to explore the history of the Franciscan Order in Quito. Overall, the colonial churches, cathedrals, and monasteries in Quito provide a window into the city's past and are a testament to its rich cultural heritage.

Visiting these churches is not only an opportunity to admire their beauty and craftsmanship but also to learn about the country's religious and cultural history. The colonial churches of Quito are not only religious houses but also significant cultural and historical landmarks that reflect the country's rich artistic and cultural heritage. Their unique designs and ornate decorations make them must-see destinations for anyone interested in architecture and art.

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Golden Temples in Quito, Ecuador

The historic churches of Quito Capital of Ecuador, with its cathedral, and convents form the heart of the city's historic center and the the nomination of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We showcase the 27 monumental churches and monasteries with all their characteristics and addresses. People often search for is the "Gold Church in Quito", but truth be told about half of Quito's monumental churches are famous golden churches in Quito, Ecuador, as the wooden interiors of their naves and roofs.

The larger temple complexes comprise chapels and convents within their premises, which are then named and listed separately, like the Chapel of the Virgin Escalera and the Catuna Chapel.

The National Cathedral borders the entire length of the South side of the Plaza de la Republica or Plaza Central. The names of the original 204 Spanish conquerors are listed on its wall. Inside is the mausoleum of Antonio Jose de Sucre the co-founder of Ecuador and some of the country's most important historic figures are buried here. Adjacent is the Sagrario Church, built on top of a ravine that cut the city in two; it boasts magnificent altars and baroque elements. Across the plaza, the Conception Church and Convent was Quito's first feminine monastery and is one of five cloistered convents in the historic center.

The San Francisco Church and convent makes up the western side of the San Francisco Plaza Square and belongs to the Franciscan Order. Part of the monastery is accessible to the visitors and serves as a museum. The Compania de Jesus Church is not only the most lavish historic temple of Quito, but debatably of all the Americas. Gold leaf covered wood of the entire interior leaves all visitors at awe. It is located right next to the Metropolitan Cultural Center, known for interesting rotating exhibitions. The Compania de Jesus Church has a remarkable  square-piped organ, often overlooked, but is one of the marvels of the church.

The Santo Domingo Plaza is yet another spectacular square with the Santo Domingo Church & Convent dominating the Eastern facade. In its interior, visitors may visit the Bedon Museum, as well as multiple chapels including the Chapel of the Rosario and the Chapel of the Virgin Escalera.

The Merced Church and Convent has been commissioned by the Mercedarios, some of the most spectacular baroque paintings are possessed by the Augustinian Order with a collection of works by Miguel de Santiago located in the San Agustin Convent and Church.

The El Carmen Alto Church was commissioned by the Carmelite Nuns, originally the home of the order, but after an earthquake, they relocated to El Carmen Bajo, some 3 centuries ago. El Carmen Bajo Church has a beautiful Nativity display and the El Carmen Alto is site of the former home of one of Ecuador's most famous saints, Mariana de Jesus.

The City museum is housed in the former San Juan de Dios hospital and chapel with permanent exhibitions of Quito through the ages. The Santa Clara Convent, and the Santa Catalina Convent and Monastery are yet other cloistered convents. In the southwest part of the historic center, one finds the San Diego Church and Convent, located next to the San Diego Cemetery.

The modest San Blas Church, is located on the beautifully restored San Blas Plaza at the outskirts of the old city and was originally a church for the indigenous people. Other churches in the periphery of the casco viejo are the El Tejar, San Roque, Santa Barbara, and San Marcos Churches.

Basilica vs Church

A basilica is a great Roman Catholic church ordained  by the pope or holy seat for its special spiritual, historical, and/or architectural significance. Basilica is the highest permanent designation for a church building, and once a church is named a basilica, it cannot lose its basilica status. The San Francisco Church and the Basilica de Voto are both famous basilica churches in Quito and the Inmaculada conception Cathedral in Cuenca.

The neogothic Basilica de Voto is a nineteenth century church that only was finished at the end of the twentieth century. While its interior is disappointing, the building dominates Quito's skyline offers a magnificent view at sunrise.

FAMOUS CHURCHES QUITO, ECUADOR IN PICTURES:

Santo Domingo Church and Convent

The Dominicans started to building their Santo Domingo Church in 1580 based on the design and direction of Francisco Becerra. The church was completed in the first half of the seventh century. The main altar is neo-Gothic in style. This was placed in the late eighteen hundreds by Italian Dominicans.

The roof of the Mudejar style church features paintings of martyrs of the Order of Saint Dominic. The roof of the nave is composed of a pair and knuckle frame, coated inside by pieces of tracery. There is museum on the north side of the lower cloister with pieces of Quito sculptors. To the right of the church is the Rosario Chapel, built over the famous Arco Del La Capilla Del Rosario.

Capilla del Robo on 24 de Mayo Square.

In 1573, the order of the Agustinian Fathers commissioen the building of the original San Agustin Church which was later destroyed by an earthquake in 1868 and most of the building had to be rebuilt. In 1987 if was again damaged severely when the aerth shook after which the church needed to be reconstructed yet another time.

Santa Catalina  Convent

In 1594 the nuns of Santa Catalina de Sena - founded in 1594 - commissioned the construction of the Santa Catalina Convent where the moved in 1613. It was one of the houses belonging to Lorenzo de Cepeda, a brother of Santa Teresa de Jesus. it was remodeled and fortified at end of the 17th century, and a new roof was built in 1794. A later reconstruction removed many ornaments.

La Merced Church

The original church being destroyed ind 1660 by an earthquake, the rebuilt (1701) La Merced Church is was constructed west of the Plaza de la Republica. The main tower was finished in 1736, while the rest of the church was finished in 1747. The famous Bernardo de Legarda sculptured the main altar piece, in 1751.

La Compania de Jesus Church or Quito's golden church is famous for its golden interior

Building of the Jesuit La Compania de Jesus Church started 1605 and was finishes in 1765. It is debatedly South-America's most beautiful Baroque churches. It interior is completely covered with gold, which obviously was stolen from the Indian tribes. It is administered by the Fundacion de la Iglesia de la Compania. The Compania de Jesus churches in Latin America were all built by the Jesuits and some other famous ones are in Lima and Arequipa.

Carmen Alto Convent

Building of the old Carmen Alto convent started in 1653 incorporating a house that had belonged to Santa Mariana de Jesus. The architectural plans of the church and the monastery were drawn by Jesuit Marcos Guerrafor. It incorporates great colonial sculptures: An enormous group of the Transition of the Virgin, with polychrome carvings by Bernardo de Legarda showcasing the Virgin lying down, with the apostles standing watch. The Nativity showcases beautiful statutes hewn by Legarda. On the southern corner of the church one finds the museum of the convent.

Capilla de San Juan

The Capilla de San Juan is incorporated in the building comples of the Museum of Quito, which used to be the San Juan Hospital. Beautifully remodeled, this chapel and the museum showcase the history of Quito from its colonial times until the present.

The Catedral Metropolitana or National Cathedral  complex makes up the southern facade of the Central Square, is incorporates several churches and chapels. They started building in 1562, 17 years after the creation of the diocese of Quito (1545), but it was not finished until 1806, during the presidency of Baron Francisco Luis Hector de Carondelet just prior to the liberation of Ecuador.

The Guapulo Church (on the left, is some 15 minutes away form the center of Quito down a steep cobble stone road. It now hosts a religious museum.

Left bottom: Santa Clara Church.

Right bottom: Santa Catalina Church.

Less spectacular the Santa Clara Church and monastery are still worth a visit with the best lighting in the early morning.

The post colonial Santa Barbara Church is may not be as beautiful as the colonial churches, but it is still part of the classical heritage of Quito.

San Blas Church.

The San Blas Church is a cute little chapel at the beautiful rebuilt San Blas Plaza of Northern Old Town Quito. Not frequented by tourists, it is a delightful place to see.

The San Francisco Basilica  (top left) and Convent (top right) incorporates the Buena Ventura Chapel, which is a medium sized chapel of the San Francisco complex of buildings

The San Francisco Church and Convent is a lavish building with a fantastic interior and a highly decorative interior roof at the balcony.

On the Souther wing of the San Francisco Church is the entrance of the Catuna Chapel but still part of the San Francisco Church complex.

The Basilica del Voto Nacional is a neo-Gothic church who's contruction started in the 19th century and finished in the late 19hundreds. While not colonial it still is a monumental building in the periphery of old town Quito. The initiator was a Padre Julio Matovelle, deputy de la Republic, while the construction started under president Luis Cordero.

In addition to the colonial churches and monasteries, old town Quito also boasts numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural centers. The Casa del Alabado Museum of Pre-Columbian Art has an impressive collection of over 5,000 artifacts from pre-Columbian cultures throughout the Andes region. The National Museum showcases Ecuador's archaeological as well as colonial heritage through its collection of pre-colombian sculptures golden artifacts, as well as religious artifacts from the 16th to 18th centuries. The Contemporary Art Center exhibits the works of Ecuador's modern and contemporary artists.

For those interested in learning more about Ecuador's history, the Presidential or Carondelet Palace offers tours on appointment which features exhibits on Ecuador's political history.

Moreover, visitors can enjoy the picturesque streets and squares of old town Quito by taking a walking tour or simply wandering through the colorful colonial architecture. The narrow, cobbled streets are lined with shops selling traditional Ecuadorian handicrafts and souvenirs, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious Ecuadorian cuisine.

City tours are almost daily available. Our Andes Trek, Ecuador program includes the best National Parks of Ecuador in the Andes as well as the famous cultural highlights, like Ecuador's capital Quito, Cuenca, the Indian market in Otavalo and Ingapirca.  Please contact us for information, rates and bookings.

For detailed information on climate and weather conditions read: climate of Cuenca, Ecuador; climate Galapagos Islands in Ecuador; climate in the Amazon of Ecuador and climate of Ecuador. If you want to learn more about the country, read Ecuador Facts and Culture.

27 QUITO CHURCHES LIST, BASILICA, SAN FRANCISCO TEMPLE  + ADDRESSES