Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
La Compañía
There are numerous churches, monasteries, and cathedrals in Quito,
a testament to the influence of the Roman Catholic Church in Ecua-
dor. La Compañía is by far the most ornate church in Quito and is a
great source of pride for Quiteños. This church, built by Jesuits be-
tween the 17th and 18th centuries, took over 160 years to finish. It
has been described as “Quito's Sistine Chapel,” with awesome paint-
ings on the vaulted ceilings and gold leaf-covered altars. The incredi-
ble amount of wealth required to create such a lavishmanifestation of
religion is obvious. It is easily one of themost magnificent churches in
all of Latin America.
La Compañía is one block from the Plaza de la Independencia on
Calle García Moreno.
Museums
Museo de Arte y Historia
While exploring colonial Quito, don't miss this museum, also known
as the Municipal Museum. Inside you'll find an impressive collection
of 16th- and 17th-century colonial art. The basement imprisoned the
leaders of Ecuador's independence movement before they were exe-
cuted in 1810. Eerie waxworks depict the somewhat disturbing scene
of their murders.
The Municipal Museum is near the main plazas on Espejo 1147 and
Benalcazar, c 2-214-018; open Tue-Fri, 9-4, weekends, 10-4. There is
a nominal admission fee.
Museo de Arte Colonial
Like the Museo de Arte y Historia, the Museum of Colonial Art in-
cludes an attractive display of colonial and religious art and furni-
ture. The 17th-century building houses the work of some of Ecuador's
finest painters and sculptors from the 16th to 18th centuries. This is a
good museum to visit if you are an art or history enthusiast.
The Colonial Art Museum is a block from Independence Plaza at
Cuenca andMejia,
2-2212-297, open Tue-Fri, 9-5, and onweekends
from 10-4. Admission is $3, with student discounts available.
Casa de Sucre
This is anothermuseumworth visiting. It was once home to the Ecua-
dorian independence hero Antonio José de Sucre. The building has
been nicely restored with antique furniture and includes a small mu-
seum and gift shop.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search