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History

Centuries ago, the valley of Quito was chosen by the first pre-Columbian cultures as an ideal place for human settlement. Shielded by a natural barrier of mountains and natural lookout posts, the spot was also protected from possible attacks while the neighboring fertile valleys guaranteed abundant food supplies.
                       
This was where the Quitu-Caras established their most important political and administrative center, as well as a remarkable religious, astronomical and agricultural outpost. With the passing of time, the Kingdom of Quito became a power in the area before, centuries later, rivaling the mighty Inca Empire. Astronomical observatories were established and the valley’s inhabitants soon became aware of their strategic geographical position vis-a-vis the sun, their principal God. Indeed, by tracking the movements of the sun, the moon and the stars from this privileged location, they determined that their homeland straddled the center of the Earth, thus ratifying their belief of a direct relationship with their sun God. The astronomical knowledge thereby acquired was put to good use in their sowing and harvest cycles.

As the XV century drew to a close, the Incas conquered the Kingdom of Quito, incorporating the land into the Inca Empire. However, given its power and importance, Quito was granted the status of the Northern Capital of the Inca Empire.  Indeed, the last Inca Ruler, Atahualpa, was born in Quito and ruled from here until the Spanish conquest.

The early 15th century saw the arrival of the Spanish conquerors who, despite a heroic resistance from the indigenous peoples, assumed control over the vast territory which included the Inca Empire and much of present day South America. This marked the beginning of almost 300 years of the Colonial period. Encouraged by the advantages of Quito’s valley, in December of 1534 the Spanish founded the Villa of San Francisco de Quito on the ruins of the former northern Inca capital. During the colonial period, Quito developed into a major center for the arts – particularly religious – as well as becoming the vanguard of classic architecture. Enormous cathedrals and glittering churches were built, while the unique Quito School of Art flourished. By blending the baroque styles brought over from Europe, especially by the Spanish and Flemish builders and friars, with the spontaneous elements preferred by the native Indians – who did the actual work –the resulting fusion of visions and styles was to earn Quito the epithet of the “Florence of Latin America”.  Indeed, this lasting fame was a key factor in the decision of UNESCO to declare Quito the first World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978. The works of art housed in the principal churches and cathedrals coupled with the  sculptures and architecture have bequeathed the city an immensely rich heritage which is now preserved for posterity.

After the Independence period (1809-1822), when patriots from the territory of present day Ecuador fought to liberate themselves from Spanish rule, freedom was finally obtained after the Battle of Pichincha on May 24, 1822, thus marking the beginning of the Republican period. After a few years (1822-1830) of being part of the Grand Colombia, Ecuador sought complete independence and, in 1830, constituted the sovereign and independent Republic of Ecuador, establishing the ancient and historic city of Quito as the nation’s capital. Thus, ancient history has fused with cultural heritage to create a city of deserved eminence.

In Quito, the old and the modern live cheek by jowl. The Historic Center jealously guards its magnificent streets, houses, squares, churches, convents and monuments with their roots in the Quito School of Art, while towards the north, modern Quito proudly displays its ample avenues, lofty buildings, business centers, parks, museums, restaurants, hotels and shopping centers, offering all the facilities of a contemporary metropolis.

 

LEGENDS

Among Quito’s legends, most dating back to colonial times, two stand out:

Cantuña

Legend tells that the Franciscan friars commissioned a group of natives to build the large atrium for the grand church of San Francisco.  The head of the workers, Cantuña, was warned that failure to finish the work on time would see him banished to the flames of Hell for not complying with the Lord’s deadline. As time passed, Cantuña began to worry about the leisurely pace of the work. As the sun set on the eve of the deadline and with the atrium still unfinished, a frustrated and fearful Cantuña set off home.  Suddenly, a strange skeletal character appeared before him, wreathed in smoke and emitting an intense smell of sulfur: it was the Devil himself. Confronting Cantuña, the Devil had a suggestion: “I’ll finish the work for you tonight, but in exchange you must give me your soul”. Threatened and confused, Cantuña accepted the deal and marveled at how, from among the Plaza’s stones, myriads of small devils appeared and frantically set about completing the job.  But then seeing how the work progressed, Cantuña began to regret the deal, however there was no turning back… Full of remorse, he left the site for some hours only to rush back at dawn to check on what had happened. At first glance the atrium was complete. Nevertheless, on closer inspection, he discovered that one stone was missing. He gleefully summoned the Devil and informed him that he had failed to comply with his side of the bargain, so the deal was off.  Not only had he saved his soul, but he also fulfilled his promise to the friars, delivering the magnificent atrium on the deadline day.

 “El Padre Almeida” (“Father Almeida”)

In the same colonial period, another story tells of how a young and bohemian friar, by the name of “Father Almeida”, used to escape at night from his closed convent of San Diego in search of fun and parties, his preferred vocation. Escaping through a narrow window, he nonchalantly availed himself of one of the arms of a wooden cross bearing the carved sculpture of a crucified Christ as a stepping stone. One night, an enraged Christ, furious at the friar’s irresponsible and disrespectful behavior, reprimanded him as he began his escape route: “Father Alemida, when do you intend to mend your ways…?”  After the initial shock, the audacious bohemian friar responded “When I get back, my Lord…..”

General Recommendations

-When at high altitude, avoid walking fast, embarking on long distances, climbing stairways or undertaking intense physical exercises.  Abstain from eating or drinking in excess until your body adapts to the elevation.  See recommendations for clothing in the “Climate and Clothing” section of this chapter.

-Avoid walking or venturing out alone, especially at night, along solitary, poorly-lit and unfamiliar locations or in large crowds. Never display expensive watches, accessories or large amounts of money in cash  Keep your documents, cash and credit cards as safe as possible.

-Never accept drinks, meals or candies from strangers, even from apparently friendly persons.  Never enter vehicles which are not authorized public services providers.

-Drink sealed bottled water only.  Avoid juices, refreshments or other beverages and foods if you are uncertain as to their origin or preparation.

-Most museums are closed on Mondays. Opening hours may vary so check with your hotel or tour operator first.

 

-Quito’s traffic is congested at the best of times.  Progress is inevitably slow throughout the city, and worse during peak hours. When travelling to the airport, plan to leave with plenty of time before your flight.