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Basilica of the Sacred Heart del Voto NacionalThe Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Oblates Convent on Carchi y Venezuela Streets, built in 1892 under the presidency of Gabriel Garcia Moreno, towers majestically on a hill across from El Panecillo. The grand tour can be taken on your own, but it's nice to have someone explain the details.The twin steeple clocks gently gong the hour every hour on the hour. At 6:00 AM, 12 noon and 6:00 PM they get additional help. Since my apartment sits only two blocks away, I awaken to the church bells and the cooing of the pigeons. The 24 internal chapels represent the provinces of the country. The massive building holds a mausoleum. Little shops line the outside next to Venezuela Street all the way to the mighty doors of the church. An elevator to the left side of the front door inside the fence will lift you to the balcony for a fee of $2.00. I can't believe the changes since the last time I went up! On the third floor sits a craft shop. From there, take the steps up to the next floor to the little cafe that will gladly serve you lunch or a cup of anything on hand...spectacular view in Quito of Quito! You don't need to go up in the slow elevator. You can walk from the first floor up the steps, or grados, all the way to the top, if you are physically able, of course! The elevator is all the way to the right as you enter. The ticket takers will point the way. Tickets to ascend are sold in a little shop to the left of the towers at the front entrance to the basilica. The twin towers are a landmark of the historic center from almost anywhere in the city or from the air.
On the closest Sunday to March 25, the consecration of Ecuador is celebrated with a procession all the way down from the huge door facing Venezuela through Venezuela and Garcia Moreno Streets. It weaves across the colonial center and ascends El Panecillo. I've joined right in and loved it, singing hymns and praying all the way. A statue of the Virgin leads the procession in a pope mobile built for Pope John Paul II when he made his tour to Quito. The ritual concludes with an open air Mass on this famous hill. In 2006, a rainbow formed around the sun at the beginning of the Mass, and disappeared as soon as the Mass ended. I was wowed!
If you came with a tour guide, you have a ride back. If not, you need a taxi. Walking back is not recommended except in a group, as it can be dangerous. Again, check that the taxi has a number on the window, the company name on the side, and a running meter anytime you ride one.
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