5 churches in Quito to learn about colonial art

The plans to make in summer time, in the city of Quito are multiple. Heritage architecture and religious art is exhibited arousing the interest of travelers. Quito was declared a World Heritage Site, in 1978, its historic down town makes it an ideal city to learn about art influenced by foreign currents. We show you the five churches to know during your visit to this ancient city and one of the best preserved in Latin America

Basilica of the National Vote

• With a neo-Gothic style, it is constituted as the largest temple in America. The construction of this structure was inspired by the Parisian cathedral of Notre Dame, its construction work began in 1884. It has a central nave and two towers, which are visited, when ascending steep steps, from this site, you can admire the beauty of Quito and its great extension. Gargoyles with representative animals of the country such as alligators, Galapagos turtles, blue-footed boobies and others are observed on the facade. It is located on Carchi and Venezuela streets.

San Francisco Church

• The church has more than 3,000 of artworks, which are part of the artistic manifestations of the Quitenian School . The construction of this site took 150 years. Inside you can see the decoration with gold leaf, which shows a great splendor. In addition, you can visit the Fray Pedro Gocial museum . The Quito’s legends say that the temple was built by an indigenous named Cantuña , who made a pact with the devil to complete the work within the established deadline. Thousands of imps worked but finally a stone was not laid, thus Cantuña, saved his soul. This church is located on Cuenca and Sucre streets.     

Church The Company of Jesus

• The cultural, artistic and religious heritage of Quito is observed in a baroque style temple . The interior of the church is covered with gold leaf , and constitutes a jewel for the world and art. Its construction took 160 years for the Jesuits and is composed of three naves, one central and two lateral. A famous work by artist Bernardo de Legarda is displayed in the main altarpiece, in addition, a large number of paintings and canvases with delicate details are observed. It is located on Benalcázar and Sucre streets

Church of Santo Domingo

• The church also has work inside with gold leaf cover. In addition paintings and carved works decorate the interior of this church. The site has a library with invaluable relics of literature, with more than 60,000 books. Also, the art of the seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries is part of the temple that shows treasures of painting, sculpture and carving that catch the eyes of travelers. It is located on Guayaquil street.  

Metropolitan Cathedral

• Known as the Primada Cathedral of Quito, it was built in 1535. It has several styles, but is considered within the neoclassical. It has a dome in the shape of half an orange, with altarpieces carved in wood, in this you can see the painting of the Mystery of the Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin Mary , made by Manuel de Samaniego . It is located on Venezuela and Espejo streets.