Basilica del Voto Nacional (Basilica of the National Vow), Quito (must see)
At an altitude of 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, surpassed only by La Paz, Bolivia. Yet even at this height, visitors will be tempted to climb to the top of the Basilica of the National Vow to take in its stunning panoramic views.
The idea for Quito鈥檚 most impressive Roman Catholic church was conceived in 1883, when congressman Father Julio Matovelle proposed building a monument to commemorate Ecuador鈥檚 consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the nation鈥檚 patron and protector. Construction began a year later, and the first stone was laid in 1892.
It took 30 years to build the Basilica, but it has not officially been completed. According to local legend, the world will end once the structure is finished. Located in the San Juan neighborhood, the Basilica stands 377 feet tall, making it the highest church in South America.
Designed in the Neo-Gothic style, the project was overseen by French architect Emilio Tarlier, who drew inspiration from Notre Dame in Paris and the Cathedral of Burgos in Spain. Ecuador鈥檚 Congress allocated 12,000 pesos for its construction. Surrounding the central nave are 24 chapels, each representing one of Ecuador鈥檚 provinces. Beneath the church lies an underground crypt and a pantheon where four Heads of State are buried.
Visiting the Basilica is an experience in itself. Guests can explore its intricate architecture on a self-guided tour and ascend even higher鈥攂y elevator or stairs鈥攖o the top floors, where a museum and caf茅 await. The real highlight, however, is the breathtaking view of Quito鈥檚 rooftops and surrounding Andean peaks from the tower, an unforgettable sight that captures the city鈥檚 grandeur.
The idea for Quito鈥檚 most impressive Roman Catholic church was conceived in 1883, when congressman Father Julio Matovelle proposed building a monument to commemorate Ecuador鈥檚 consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the nation鈥檚 patron and protector. Construction began a year later, and the first stone was laid in 1892.
It took 30 years to build the Basilica, but it has not officially been completed. According to local legend, the world will end once the structure is finished. Located in the San Juan neighborhood, the Basilica stands 377 feet tall, making it the highest church in South America.
Designed in the Neo-Gothic style, the project was overseen by French architect Emilio Tarlier, who drew inspiration from Notre Dame in Paris and the Cathedral of Burgos in Spain. Ecuador鈥檚 Congress allocated 12,000 pesos for its construction. Surrounding the central nave are 24 chapels, each representing one of Ecuador鈥檚 provinces. Beneath the church lies an underground crypt and a pantheon where four Heads of State are buried.
Visiting the Basilica is an experience in itself. Guests can explore its intricate architecture on a self-guided tour and ascend even higher鈥攂y elevator or stairs鈥攖o the top floors, where a museum and caf茅 await. The real highlight, however, is the breathtaking view of Quito鈥檚 rooftops and surrounding Andean peaks from the tower, an unforgettable sight that captures the city鈥檚 grandeur.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Quito. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Basilica del Voto Nacional (Basilica of the National Vow) on Map
Sight Name: Basilica del Voto Nacional (Basilica of the National Vow)
Sight Location: Quito, Ecuador (See walking tours in Quito)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Quito, Ecuador (See walking tours in Quito)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Quito, Ecuador
Create Your Own Walk in Quito
Creating your own self-guided walk in Quito is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Quito Introduction Walking Tour
Born from Inca dreams and Spanish conquest, Quito stands high in the Andes鈥攏ot just between valleys and volcanoes, but between worlds: indigenous, colonial, and modern.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South America. Its name is believed to derive from the Quitus, an Indigenous group that lived in the area long before the Inca conquest. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South America. Its name is believed to derive from the Quitus, an Indigenous group that lived in the area long before the Inca conquest. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Historical Religious Buildings Tour
As a former Spanish colony, Ecuador and its capital city Quito are home to literally dozens of Catholic churches. The Spaniards brought their faith into the new country and built many great temples here, some of which even pre-date the city of Quito itself.
Among the key local landmarks of ecclesiastical architecture is the Santo Domingo Church, dating back to the 16th century and showcasing a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Among the key local landmarks of ecclesiastical architecture is the Santo Domingo Church, dating back to the 16th century and showcasing a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles