City: Ecuador
Top Things to do in Ecuador
The 10 Best Architectural Buildings in Ecuador, Ecuador
Coordinates: 2°00′S 77°30′W / 2.000°S 77.500°W / -2.000; -77.500
Restaurants in Ecuador
1. Fundacion Iglesia de la Compania
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,974 reviews
This Jesuit church is a masterpiece of baroque and Quiteno-colonial art with lavish golden altars and gilded columns, making it one of the most ornate structures in Ecuador.
Reviewed By tomy476 - Chicago, United States
Fundación Iglesia de la Compañía is a must see visit while in Quito. The $5 entry for tourists is well worth it. From floor to ceilings the cathedral of an overload of beauty for the eyes with gold inlay everywhere, carvings, statues, murals... While there Without a guided tour I listened in on a few guided groups and would recommend doing that. If you want, this would be an ideal place for a longer silent spiritual retreat like visit to take the beauty in...
2. Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,677 reviews
Established in 1536 by Franciscan monks, this magnificent architectural masterpiece features a museum in its convent with art from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Reviewed By georgesB4777WE - Miami Beach, United States
This is the oldest church in Quito (from the 16th century) and one of the most beautiful. Though one can argue that the Jesuit one is more “uber” than this church, it, nevertheless is “uber-magnificent” also. It is relatively plain from the outside, but its baroque inside explodes and takes your breath away. The main altar and the side altars are beautifully gilded and carved. Its decorated ceilings remind me of a Moorish design, probably coming from Spain. Every inch of the interior is covered with gilt or art. A site that cannot be missed. The admission to the church is free and photos during services are prohibited. The convent and museum next door however, charges a $4 admission fee and has a separate entrance.
3. Casa de Los Geranios
4. Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo)
5. La Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,086 reviews
This large cathedral (circa 1885) features a series of sky-blue cupolas; the interior contains a magnificent altar and a famous crowned image of the Virgin Mary.
Reviewed By 68olivers
Our hotel sits on a hilltop about a mile and a half from the city center. We had a grand view of the city center of which the blue domes of this church stood out. The church is even more striking up close. Beautiful gothic arches, stained glass windows, very ornate altars that speak of days gone will greet you inside the church. For $2, you can access the stairs to the roof. The stairs are winding, narrow and at times steep. If you are fit enough, I recommend it strongly. The views are magnificent from atop the church. There are 52 churches in Cuenca- 1 for each week as our guide told us. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is one of three churches that I would recommend as a "Do Not Miss" when visiting Cuenca.
6. Catedral Metropolitana de Quito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 462 reviews
The city’s main cathedral contains the tomb of Field Marshal Antonio Jose de Sucre, Quito’s liberator, and The Holy Shroud, a magnificent 18th-century sculpture by Manuel Chili Caspicara.
Reviewed By MichelDoortmont - Groningen, The Netherlands
A good example of an early Spanish colonial cathedral with local details, with added museum. Apart from the many chapels and the great exterior and interior of the building, what struck us was the friendly atmosphere inside. When we visited, a children's choir was practicing and his was a joy to attend. Friendly people too, who are quite willing to engage socially.
7. El Sagrario
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Located around the corner of Plaza Independencia, this magnificent building was originally built as the Cathedral’s chapel and is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Quito.
Reviewed By georgesB4777WE - Miami Beach, United States
This is a church which is literally adjacent to the Metropolitan Cathedral. I found it to be more imposing and richer in decoration than the cathedral. It’s beautiful altar stand outs along with a nice and airy dome and a blue ceiling. It feels so different from the cathedral. I would call to your attention the intricately carved massive doors in the rear of the church. Another church in Quito that you should visit.
8. Basilica del Voto Nacional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,861 reviews
Considered the largest church in Quito, this impressive building features fine bronze doors, colorful stained glass windows and a tower with sweeping views of the city.
Reviewed By Dorito50 - Washington DC, United States
A church that reminded us of Notre Dame in Paris is the last thing we expected in Quito, but that was the magnificent Basilica del Voto Nacional. Admission is $1/pp. There is a separate $2/pp to go to the roof and the cupola over looking the grounds and the city. All well- spent. The grounds themselves are lovely and worth wandering. Besides the magnificent architecture and stained glass inside, each province has donated artwork that fill side altars and is fascinating for its variety and insights into the different parts of Ecuador. An exquisite silent chapel behind the main altar is easy to miss but shouldn’t be. We are not religious but found it easy to spend more than an hour here altogether and would have tarried longer if it had not been closing time.
9. El Palacio de Gobierno
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 953 reviews
Reviewed By outdoor52 - Berkeley, United States
Visiting the Presidential Palace was one of the highlights of our visit to Quito. You have to have a reservation which the visitor information desk across the Plaza kindly took care of for us. Our guide kindly gave us a tour in English and the history in the early galleries is fascinating. We saw a special exhibit of many statues of Mary from the region that was also very interesting as our guide was able to explain the symbolism to us.
10. Puerta de la Ciudad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By kg9869388
So picturesque we took tons of photos. It’s charming and contains an art gallery, French restaurant and tourist info to boot!
