Quito, Ecuador in 24 Hours
Culture and Arts, History, Vistas of the City and Souvenir Shopping
Sep 5, 2008
From visiting a local market to touring the inside of a Spanish colonial church, there is plenty to keep you busy in this city of almost 1.5 million. Because the city is nestled within the mountains, space is constrained, so many principal destinations are near each other. Even in one day, visitors can get a great sense of the past of this Latin American capital city, do some souvenir shopping, and take in some breathtaking views.
The gem of this city is its Historic Center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Brimming with 16th-century churches and buildings, it is one of the least altered historic centers in Latin America, according to UNESCO’s World Heritage website. Anyone who wants to see this city needs to start here, in its historic center.
San Francisco Church and Convent
If there is only time to see one church, then San Francisco Church and Convent is it. An admirable display of baroque art fused with other styles such as Moorish and indigenous arts, San Francisco is the crux of Quiteño colonial architecture and one of the richest and largest examples of colonial religious grounds in the Americas.
It was once a major pre-Inca religious site. The conquering Spanish burned down the original temple and built a majestic church in its place. Interestingly, the Spanish combined Christian icons with the pre-Inca symbols in order to create more acceptance of their new and unfamiliar religion and thus gain more converts. Today this can be seen in the crucifixes and Christian-themed murals on the walls juxtaposed with Incan suns and stars on the ceilings.
Attached to the church is the Convent, a museum displaying religious colonial art and other famous works from the period, such as the sculptures of Miguel de Santiago and Legardo.
In front of the church is San Francisco Square, an enormous gathering space in an otherwise crowded downtown area.
Independence Square (Plaza Grande)
Surrounded by the Cathedral and Presidential Palace (Carondelet) on one side and the Archbishop Palace and Municipal Palace on the other, Independence Square is not just an emblem of Quiteño life – it is the essence, the heart, of the city. Here is where presidents have given famous speeches, or have met untimely deaths by infuriated crowds. It is also where elderly Quiteños come to rest. Sitting on the benches of Plaza Grande, they reminisce of older times. If one really wants a glimpse into the life of people in this city, Independence Square is the place to be.
Handicraft Shopping in Open Markets
Like many Latin American countries, Ecuador is full of open-air and fresh markets where local products and handicrafts can be found. The Mercado Artesanal Metropolitano (Metropolitan Artesenal Market) on Juan Leon Mera in La Mariscal, is the perfect place to go if short on time. From the famous Ecuadorian wool sweaters to small shigras (handbags) and Panama hats (originally from Ecuador), tourists will find a hodgepodge of the many crafts otherwise found around the country.
Teleferico for Great Views
A ride to the top of Mount Pichincha on the Teléferico is a great way to enjoy the end of a long day. With breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains, as well as beautiful views of snow-capped volcanos, one can get away from the noise and pollution of the big city and experience Quito from the air.
