Colonial Churches - UNESCO's First Grab!The colonial churches grabbed the attention of UNESCO, even though all of the historic center was included. I must confess, they grabbed mine, and so I've toured them all and worshiped in many together with the locals, starting with the Basilica. Altars finished and lined in gold leaf greet you everywhere. UNESCO continues to restore them. Iglesia de La Compania is almost totally cloaked in the gold leaf. Sooo awesome...it's like stepping into the entrance to the heavenly Kingdom of God. Tour Guide Angel Rea of Huayras Expeditions showers you with the details if you desire, since he specializes in the culture. On days of special celebrations, he'll happily bring you a schedule from the source wherever those celebrations are coming from. I only recommend him because he really knows his stuff and his eagerness is contagious. Extravagently ornate with architecture from another century, the magnificent temples never run out of admirers. Not all beauty shows on the outside. All have exceptional history you can link to from this page. Museo de la Ciudad details the history of Quito. Some churches house art and artifacts in their own museums. Maybe the volcanic eruptions and/or earthquakes influenced faith here. I don't know. I only know that documented legends of apparitions of Mary and Jesus resound throughout Quito and all of Ecuador. The plentiful active convents bring this faith to life. Many nuns still wear habits from pre-Vatican II, some from the colonial era with slight modifications. Processions in the historic center date to its beginning...with streets blocked off for pedestrians on Sundays and holy days. On Good Friday, they emerge en masse. Santa Clara is an extension of Iglesia de San Francisco largely neglected with no activities beginning here. Look at it now - but only during Mass - and gasp. Colonial church, Iglesia de San Francisco leads many celebration activities. Quitenos don't glue themselves to the TV, participating wholeheartedly...how refreshing!
The Catederal Primaria (Primary Cathedral) embraces Plaza Grande square, the hub of the city. El Sagrario Church clings to the cathedral. All the way to the Arco de la Reina, you will run into Carmen Alto Church and Convent of the Discalced Carmelites across from the city museum. Visit only during the times of the Mass, early mornings...7:00 AM during the week and twice on Sunday - 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM. The most fascinating witness in all of Quito radiates from the nuns at the Iglesia de la Limpia Concepcion and Convent that houses the statue of Our Lady of Good Success. From Latacunga, Ecuador emerged Carmen Bajo Church and Convent .
Historically rich, architecturally poor, Santa Barbara Church, one of the original of Las Siete Cruces, rises undaunted on its chosen corner.
There's a temple in the valley with a link to the hill - no, not El Panecillo. San Agustin Church and its separated convent of San Juan Evangelista.
The teaching order of Dominicans Iglesia Santo Domingo de Guzman embraced the natives in a time of opposition. Santa Catalina Church and Convent still houses the Dominican nuns since the colonial era, and its treasures of art and artifacts enhance its museum. The temple Iglesia de La Merced, can't remain behind as an integral part of the founding of Quito Colonial. No jaw-dropping cathedral...a humble chapel dubbed La Capilla de Belen...previously La Vera Cruz... evolved from a huge cross to a temporary chapel, and eventually to a permanent chapel over the place the conquistadores positioned Quito for future construction. Centuries old Recoleta de San Diego Church and Convent in its lowly state in dire need of remodeling that is in the process, proves its excellence. Just ask the taxi driver for San Diego, and if he asks if you want to go to the cemetery, just say yes. It's right next to the Recoleta, and he won't recognize the word recoleta! In its forsaken little corner San Blas church sits with its plaza no less relevant than the rest though not as stately. Another Franciscan recoleta, not to be missed hides the definitely colonial church and convent of El Tejar. With all these, you want to tour them when they're open. Away from the historic center, yet no less colonial rests Guapulo Church and Convent. in its sunken valley.
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