La Compania (Church of the Society of Jesus), Quito (must see)
The Church of the Society of Jesus, located in Quito鈥檚 historic center, is a beautiful example of Spanish Baroque architecture. Construction began in 1605 under the direction of Jesuit architects and was completed over 160 years later.
The church reflects the influence of multiple architects over its long construction, blending different architectural styles, though Baroque dominates. Its interiors are adorned with gold leaf, covering walls, ceilings, the central nave, and domes鈥攁n effect that remains visually stunning despite earlier exaggerations of its volume. The main fa莽ade is carved entirely from volcanic stone, adding to the building鈥檚 grandeur.
Inside, visitors can admire 56 sculptures and 44 oil paintings. Notable works include Nicol谩s Javier de Goribar鈥檚 16 Prophets, The Four Evangelists, and The Cardinals of the Society of Jesus, alongside sculptures by Bernardo de Legarda. Flanking the main entrance are paintings depicting Hell and the Final Judgment. The church also features representations of native flora and symbols of Ecuador鈥檚 ancestral peoples hidden within its pillars, as well as a historic organ dating back to 1889.
The church has been a site of important religious events. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here during his 1985 visit to Ecuador, and Pope Francis visited in 2015. Today, it stands as a remarkable testament to Quito鈥檚 colonial history, artistry, and religious heritage.
The church reflects the influence of multiple architects over its long construction, blending different architectural styles, though Baroque dominates. Its interiors are adorned with gold leaf, covering walls, ceilings, the central nave, and domes鈥攁n effect that remains visually stunning despite earlier exaggerations of its volume. The main fa莽ade is carved entirely from volcanic stone, adding to the building鈥檚 grandeur.
Inside, visitors can admire 56 sculptures and 44 oil paintings. Notable works include Nicol谩s Javier de Goribar鈥檚 16 Prophets, The Four Evangelists, and The Cardinals of the Society of Jesus, alongside sculptures by Bernardo de Legarda. Flanking the main entrance are paintings depicting Hell and the Final Judgment. The church also features representations of native flora and symbols of Ecuador鈥檚 ancestral peoples hidden within its pillars, as well as a historic organ dating back to 1889.
The church has been a site of important religious events. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here during his 1985 visit to Ecuador, and Pope Francis visited in 2015. Today, it stands as a remarkable testament to Quito鈥檚 colonial history, artistry, and religious heritage.
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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La Compania (Church of the Society of Jesus) on Map
Sight Name: La Compania (Church of the Society of Jesus)
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.
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
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