Discover Colonial Quito, Ecuador - Tour Its Churches - UNESCO Did!
If Quito Colonial (colonial Quito) in Ecuador hadn't been the very first discovery of UNESCO as a world heritage site, I wouldn't understand why not! It's the largest old town in the Americas, and the greatest! Of course, I'm partial! This amazing historic center on the Avenue of Volcanoes on the Andes vibrates with the joy of these amazing, gentle people. How do I know? I've been:
Quitenos love to celebrate! Throughout the year, fiestas pulsate rhythmically. The whole colonial center is fenced off to vehicles on Sundays, and pedestrians rule! Church bells ring invitingly throughout the historic center. The Presidential Palace is included on the famous Calle de Las Siete Cruces, which President Gabriel Garcia Moreno himself named this street. Later, the name of Garcia Moreno Street was added to honor the martyred president. Now, it's the preferred name. In 1873 Garcia Moreno consecrated Ecuador to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Cathedral together with a bishop and brought about peace many times through his deeply religious convictions. A year later, he was killed, riddled with bullets, for his religious beliefs and became a martyr upon leaving the Cathedral after adoring the Lord for several hours, just as he was about to enter the Presidental Palace...WOW! Blue letters on a plaque on the wall of the palace mark in Spanish where it happened...where the assassinated president fell to the sidewalk below. His statue graces Garcia Moreno Plaza in front of the grand Basilica. His famous last words, "Dios no muere," which translates, "God doesn't die," will never be forgotten by the people. Do you love ancient churches as much as I do? Then, this is the street to begin after you have toured the Basilica del Voto Nacional (Basilica of the National Vote)...it sure gets my vote! The seven crosses were strategically placed by the conquistadors to mark where seven churches would be built. Six of the beautiful gold-leafed vibrant churches still operate. The seventh was transformed into Hospicio San Lazaro (St. Lazarus Hospice) since 1767 when the Jesuits were expelled by enemies of the Catholic Church. These days, it is in terrible shape, but it seems under construction for remodeling. According to the signs on it, it is designated as a psychiatric hospital and clinic. It is located in what they call the "red zone", meaning unsafe. The restored ancient churches permeate the downtown area and can be strolled free mornings as long as you don't disturb the worshippers. Some can be toured for a fee throughout the day. More beautiful churches unashamedly wait to be discovered throughout the city. A relaxing way to just kick back and explore and discover colonial Quito is to ride a horse-driven buggy. It parks close to the Plaza Grande downtown Garcia Moreno Street. For under $5, a person can really savor the Ecuadorian flavor! (For more about the delicious flavors see "Eating In Historic Cntr" and "Eating With a View".) I finally got to kick back and explore colonial Quito in the carriage! It was soooo relaxing, and the driver explained points of interest along with myths surrounding them. Getting carried away by horse and buggy is definitely the utmost in tours.
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