Quito – Architecture & Landmarks

As South America’s oldest capital city, Quito offers one of the most well-preserved and unique “old towns” in the world. Often considered one of the continent’s cities that has changed the least since its colonial rule by the Spanish, Quito offers many unique buildings in baroque style include many colonial churches that were built there by the Spanish colonizers. One example of this is the Basilica del Voto Nacional. Constructed between 1887 and 1924, it includes a neo-Gothic style and is the tallest church in Latin America. The location offers sweeping views of Quito from the top of the Basilica and also serves as the final resting place for various heads of state.

The “Old Town” of Quito is one of the most historically and culturally important locations in the city. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it contains many of Quito’s original streets, plazas and churches. Visitors often enjoy the many walking tours that will showcase the city’s rich colonial history. One of the central locations is that of La Ronda. Here, you will find various shops, guesthouses and restaurants amongst the backdrop of churches that date back centuries. This area includes the San Francisco Church, one of Quito’s most famous. The Government Palace is also located here, with ceremonial guards marking the entrance.

Quito’s most notable natural landmark is that of El Panecillo. The 200-meter-tall hill has a summit located at 3,016 meters above sea level. The top of the hill includes a monument titled the “Virgin of El Panecillo” and is modeled after the “Virgen de Quito” sculpted in 1734. Standing at 41 meters high, the statue is considered a major Quito landmark. Visitors who hike to the top of the mountain will be met with sprawling views of Quito and the surrounding mountain ranges. Visitors can climb or take a taxi (recommended) to enjoy the views, which are best in the early morning before cloud cover consumes the area.

Landmarks of Interest

Quito Old Town

Address: Quito 170401
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Website

Basilica del Voto Nacional

Address: Quito 170130
Phone: +593 2-228-9428
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:00am – 6:00pm
– Tuesday 9:00am – 6:00pm
– Wednesday 9:00am – 6:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 6:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm
– Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm
– Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Admission Cost:
– General $2.00
Website

El Panecillo

Address: Panecillo Summit, General Melchor Aymerich, Quito EC170150
Phone: +593 2 317 1985
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Tuesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 9:00pm
– Saturday 9:00am – 9:00pm
– Sunday 9:00am – 9:00pm
Admission Cost:
Monument interior
– General $1.00
– Special $0.50
Website