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MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Historic Center
Considered as the largest and best preserved in Latin America , the Historic center is a maze of narrow streets, flanked by colonial-style houses with flowering balconies and beautifully carved wooden doors. Every corner, crook and cranny seems to house a church, monastery or convent. Encased in magnificent columns, overlooked by elegant pulpits and protected by beautifully decorated domes, the resident treasures of paintings, sculptures, gold-leaf and wood carvings are testimony to the outstanding and unique Quito School or Art.
Among the main attractions of the Historic Center is Independence Square , with its center-piece Memorial Column to the Heroes of Ecuador's Independence Movement, flanked by the historic and colonial-style Presidential Palace with its French imported wrought iron balconies. The other sides of the square are formed by the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, the Archbishop's Palace and the City Hall or Municipal Palace . The stone fountains adorning the square and their surrounding pedestrian walkways have all formed part of an area that for centuries has been, and continues to be, the epicenter of Ecuador 's political life.
The splendid church of La Compañía de Jesus, a Jesuit temple built in the XVII century with an impressive façade exquisitely carved in stone brought from the Pichincha volcano, bears a most remarkable display of gold-leaf art on its walls, altars, columns and domes, covering the entire temple with a glittering manifestation of awesome beauty. This magnificent setting is complemented by paintings and sculptures from the Quito School of Art and is one of the most impressive Catholic temples in the world.
The historic and huge cobblestone-covered San Francisco Square is presided over by the immense and majestic church of the same name. Dating back to 1535, just one year after the city's Spanish settlement, this extraordinary temple is the oldest of the city's major colonial churches. Also constructed with carved stone and decorated within by priceless works of art, San Francisco is another impressive edifice. Being the oldest, the church provides a more vivid and explicit blend of both the prevailing artistic influences and the contrasting world views of the indigenous people and their Catholic conquerors. Hence the extraordinary fusion of the traditional religious figures, represented by Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary coupled with the “Intis” (the Indian Sun God), who all adorn the doors and columns. Not even the Angels are immune. Depicted with unusually dark skin, they appear more Indian than European. Next to the church is the Convent of San Francisco with its quaint and tranquil patios, fountains and gardens located in an ideal setting for peace and meditation. The convent hosts a very fine Museum of Colonial Religious Art .
Other religious temples worthy of a visit include the churches and convents of La Merced , Santo Domingo and San Agustin. In the latter, you can visit the “ Sala Capitular”, the Hall where the Ecuador 's Deed of Independence was signed and sealed. The original document is carefully preserved here but can be seen by visitors. Also worth visiting is the church and convent of San Diego , as well as the Monasteries of La Concepcion , El Carmen Alto y Bajo. These and others house a treasure trove of colonial religious art, as well as numerous high quality handicrafts made by the cloister sisters and nuns ranging from sweets to flower arrangements, religious objects and even natural plant remedies.
The colonial neighborhoods of La Ronda , San Marcos and La Loma Grande , among others, typify the colonial city. All are enthusiastically preserved and have recently been restored. No visit to Quito would be complete without a trip up to the summit of El Panecillo Hill , located right in the heart of the old city. Under the watchful eye of the Virgin Mary , the Winged Lady of Quito, the Panecillo affords spectacular views of the city as well as the surrounding mountains and volcanoes, including great views of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, as well as of Pichincha, the city's guardian volcano.
The Square and Church of San Blas marks the border between the colonial center and modern Quito . Just a few blocks before the boundary is the magnificent Sucre Theater , built in the XIX Century, presiding over the traditional Plaza del Teatro (The Theater Square ). Other points of interest include the Metropolitan Cultural Center, owned by the Municipality of Quito , located in a historic and restored building where the first University of Ecuador functioned. The complex, incorporating a historic Library, is a frequent venue for art exhibitions and musical events. To the eastern side of the colonial center is the Itchimbía Hill , which not only affords superb views of the city but also features the restored Crystal Palace . Across from the Itchimbía Hill is the Basilica del Voto Nacional , a large neo-gothic style cathedral with high and pointed towers, splendidly illuminated in the evenings. To the north lies the modern sector of Quito .
Modern Quito
The northern part of the city is more cosmopolitan, featuring wide avenues, tall and modern buildings, luxury hotels, business centers, shopping malls, museums, universities, art galleries as well as an abundant offer of restaurants, bars, cafes and discos. The main attractions of modern Quito include:
The Guayasamin Foundation and the “Capilla del Hombre” (“Chapel of Mankind”) a remarkable artistic and architectural commemoration of one of Ecuador's most famous contemporary painters: Oswaldo Guayasamín. Close by is the Mindalae Museum, while Foch Square is the center of the celebrated La Mariscal neighborhood where most of modern Quito 's bohemian activity is concentrated. The area is packed with dozens of restaurants, bars, open air cafes, discotheques; the source of lively night activity. Nearby, the Casa de la Cultura (House of Culture) houses various exhibition rooms, theaters and multi-use saloons and halls. Other places of interest include the extraordinary Archaeological Museum of the Central Bank, the House of Music, Quito 's Cable Car which ascends to the heights of Cruz Loma from where breathtaking views of the city can be enjoyed from near the summit of Mt. Pichincha at 4,000 meters above sea level. The Observatory of Guapulo also provides scenic views of the eastern valleys of Cumbaya and Tumbaco, as well as the colonial Church and convent of Guapulo . Other attractive spots to relax and take in the setting include the El Ejido, La Carolina and Metropolitano parks .
Modern Quito also abounds with handicraft centers, shops and open air exhibitions, as well as bookstores and fast-food outlets.
