Top Things to do in Cuenca
The 10 Best Churches & Cathedrals in Cuenca, Azuay Province
Writers and poets have long flourished in arts-oriented Cuenca, the country's third-largest city and the capital of the Azuay province. Cafes and galleries are tucked among the narrow cobblestone streets. The main plaza hosts both the old cathedral, started in 1557, the year the city was founded, and the blue-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, dating to 1885. Locally made Panama hats get top billing at the markets, with centrally located Casa de la Mujer a shopping standout.
Restaurants in Cuenca
1. 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.
2. Mirador de Turi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,174 reviews
Reviewed By susansJ9674OJ
The view of Cuenca is spectacular! I would strongly suggest that you take the city bus tour, during the day, which stops at the top of Tui. Then go back by taxi at nighttime! Both views are great and well worth the time.
3. El Carmen de la Asuncion Church
4. Iglesia de Todos Santos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By PingaThePenguin - London, United Kingdom
We don't really do churches and I don't know why we came in here. However, for $2 each we got a private tour in which we learnt more about the Ecuadorian social history than we did the rest of our three weeks. You do have to speak Spanish, I believe (my Italian got me most of it). Our guide was delightful and spoke very clearly (luckily for me). However, the highlight is getting up to the bell tower: great views and quite a special place. If you want to avoid 45 minutes of Spanish, this bit costs just $1 per person ????
5. Seminario San Luis
6. Iglesia de San Roque
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
7. Iglesia de El Vergel
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
8. Iglesia de Santo Domingo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By joan1234567890 - Davenport, United States
On a recent business trip to Cuenca I attended services at this old Catholic church in the heart of the city. It was beautifully restored and maintained, and the acoustics during the service added to the splendor of the setting with its stunning altarpiece and other artwork throughout the church.
9. Iglesia de San Blas
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By U5268OHrachaelb - Portland, United States
I was on my way to the church when I was sidetracked by the lovely plaza in front. So peaceful! Nice to see families relaxing and enjoying the day and eachothers company
10. Iglesia de San Alfonso
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