Historical Religious Buildings Tour, Quito

Historical Religious Buildings Tour (Self Guided), Quito

As a former Spanish colony, Ecuador and its capital city Quito are home to literally dozens of Catholic churches. The Spaniards brought their faith into the new country and built many great temples here, some of which even pre-date the city of Quito itself.

Among the key local landmarks of ecclesiastical architecture is the Santo Domingo Church, dating back to the 16th century and showcasing a stunning blend of Baroque and Moorish styles.

Another noteworthy site is the Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco). This is one of the oldest and largest religious complexes in Quito, with a captivating mix of Gothic and Baroque influences, also known as the Mudéjar style.

La Compania, or the Church of the Society of Jesus, stands out for its ornate facade and intricate interiors adorned with golden leaf decorations. Its craftsmanship is a testament to the skill of the artisans of the time, similar to those who built the Church of the Sanctuary (Iglesia de El Sagrario), renowned for its beautiful altar.

The Quito Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Quito) is a grand example of Ecuadorian colonial architecture. Its towering structure stands prominently on the city's skyline.

Meanwhile, the Convent of Mercy (Convento de la Merced), renowned for its impressive cloisters and religious artwork, reflects the devotion and dedication of the Mercedarian order.

The Church and Convent of San Agustin are significant for their historical and architectural value. Having witnessed centuries of Quito's history, they continue to be important spiritual centers.

Finally, the Basilica of the National Vow (Basilica del Voto Nacional) is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture, which, on top of that, offers panoramic views of the city.

If you plan to visit Quito, make sure to include these remarkable churches in your itinerary. Exploring their intricate details and learning about their historical significance can provide you with a deeper understanding of Ecuador's cultural heritage.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Maros.

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Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: Historical Religious Buildings Tour
Guide Location: Ecuador » Quito (See other walking tours in Quito)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk or build your own)

Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click

at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.

Click here to view route map

Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access my walking tour in Quito?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Quito Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Quito?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in Quito, Ecuador

Create Your Own Walk in Quito

Creating your own self-guided walk in Quito is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Quito Introduction Walking Tour

Born from Inca dreams and Spanish conquest, Quito stands high in the Andes-not just between valleys and volcanoes, but between worlds: indigenous, colonial, and modern.

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South America. Its name is believed to derive from the Quitus, an Indigenous group that lived in the area long before the Inca conquest. The... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles