Quito: Ecuador's Historic Andean Capital
Quito, Ecuador's capital, is nestled high in the Andes and is the largest historic center in South America, featuring well-preserved specimens of colonial architecture. This 1.6 million-person city has long been a favorite of craftsmen and is a terrific place to buy for local art and crafts, from ceramics and wood carvings to colorful apparel, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many historic cathedrals, lovely public squares, and world-class museums.
The San Francisco Church on Plaza San Francisco is the most well-known attraction in Quito's historic district. The church's white-washed twin towers, which date from the first half of the 1500s, flank each side of the huge complex's entryway. The Convent Museum of San Francisco, which houses religious paintings, sculptures, carvings, china, fabrics, and handcrafted furniture, is noteworthy for its exquisite Baroque decor.
La Compania de Jesus Church is another lovely church to see. It was built in the early 17th century and is classified by UNESCO as one of the world's top 100 most important buildings. Quito's cathedral, Baslica del Voto Nacional, was built in the 1560s and is equally magnificent.
Exploring Plaza Grande is one of the best things to do in Quito. Many notable objects of interest surround this lovely area, including the church, the Presidential Palace, and the Archbishop's Palace. The Municipal Palace, as well as Calle La Ronda, a bustling thoroughfare studded with restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and other entertainment, are both located here.
Location: Ecuador
