Catedral Metropolitana de Quito (Quito Cathedral), Quito
The Quito Metropolitan Cathedral, commonly known as Quito Cathedral, stands proudly on the southwestern side of Independence Plaza. Construction began in the mid-1550s under the guidance of the Spanish architect Antonio Garc铆a, who oversaw the first two stages of the project. The cathedral was officially completed and consecrated in 1572 by Quito鈥檚 second bishop, Pedro de la Pe帽a.
In 1660, the eruption of Mount Pichincha devastated the church, destroying large portions of the building. Reconstruction efforts restored and expanded the cathedral, with the work finally completed in 1806. The structure showcases an impressive blend of architectural styles, including Baroque, Moorish, Neoclassical, and Gothic elements. Inside, visitors can admire exquisite artwork by the renowned Ecuadorian sculptor Manuel Chili, better known as Caspicara.
From 1545 to 1848, the cathedral served as the seat of the Diocese of Quito. It became the city鈥檚 Archdiocese in 1848 and, in 1995, was officially recognized as the Cathedral of Ecuador, cementing its central role in the country鈥檚 religious life.
Quito Cathedral is also the final resting place of some of Ecuador鈥檚 most significant historical figures. These include Field Marshal Antonio Jos茅 de Sucre, one of the liberators of Quito, Cardinal Carlos de la Torre, and several former presidents and bishops. Walking through the cathedral, visitors can feel the deep history and legacy of the city, from its colonial roots to its place at the heart of Ecuador鈥檚 spiritual and political life.
In 1660, the eruption of Mount Pichincha devastated the church, destroying large portions of the building. Reconstruction efforts restored and expanded the cathedral, with the work finally completed in 1806. The structure showcases an impressive blend of architectural styles, including Baroque, Moorish, Neoclassical, and Gothic elements. Inside, visitors can admire exquisite artwork by the renowned Ecuadorian sculptor Manuel Chili, better known as Caspicara.
From 1545 to 1848, the cathedral served as the seat of the Diocese of Quito. It became the city鈥檚 Archdiocese in 1848 and, in 1995, was officially recognized as the Cathedral of Ecuador, cementing its central role in the country鈥檚 religious life.
Quito Cathedral is also the final resting place of some of Ecuador鈥檚 most significant historical figures. These include Field Marshal Antonio Jos茅 de Sucre, one of the liberators of Quito, Cardinal Carlos de la Torre, and several former presidents and bishops. Walking through the cathedral, visitors can feel the deep history and legacy of the city, from its colonial roots to its place at the heart of Ecuador鈥檚 spiritual and political life.
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.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Catedral Metropolitana de Quito (Quito Cathedral) on Map
Sight Name: Catedral Metropolitana de Quito (Quito Cathedral)
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