Iglesia de San Francisco (Church of San Francisco), Quito (must see)
The dominant structure in San Francisco Square is the Church and Convent of San Francisco, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Founded in 1534, it is Quito鈥檚 oldest and most significant religious site. Construction began in 1537, and while major portions were completed in the 16th century, work continued for more than 160 years, with the fa莽ade finished around 1680.
The vast complex includes three churches, thirteen cloisters for monks, a library containing historical documents, and a museum that holds over 3,500 pieces of religious art. It is regarded as the largest colonial architectural complex in the Americas.
Over the centuries, earthquakes have repeatedly damaged parts of the structure, requiring ongoing maintenance and restoration. In recognition of its cultural and architectural importance, it was included in the 2016 World Monuments Watch to support conservation efforts.
The church鈥檚 architecture blends Renaissance and Baroque elements on the exterior, while the interior reflects a fusion of Catholic and Indigenous artistic traditions. Today, the Church and Convent of San Francisco remain a major center of religious life and heritage in Quito, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The vast complex includes three churches, thirteen cloisters for monks, a library containing historical documents, and a museum that holds over 3,500 pieces of religious art. It is regarded as the largest colonial architectural complex in the Americas.
Over the centuries, earthquakes have repeatedly damaged parts of the structure, requiring ongoing maintenance and restoration. In recognition of its cultural and architectural importance, it was included in the 2016 World Monuments Watch to support conservation efforts.
The church鈥檚 architecture blends Renaissance and Baroque elements on the exterior, while the interior reflects a fusion of Catholic and Indigenous artistic traditions. Today, the Church and Convent of San Francisco remain a major center of religious life and heritage in Quito, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
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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Iglesia de San Francisco (Church of San Francisco) on Map
Sight Name: Iglesia de San Francisco (Church of San Francisco)
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