See

Plaza Grande / Plaza de la Independencia

Main plaza of Quito with national significance that features the monument to the independence heroes of August 10, 1809.

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Quito, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Metropolitan Cultural Center
A historic building from 1622 that features temporary art exhibits. Also be sure to see Museo Alberto Mena Camaño, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and Palacio de Carondelet along the Plaza Grande for more important historical perspectives on Ecuador.
Tue-Sat 09:00-17:30, Sun 10:00-16:00, Mon closed
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Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesus
Church of the Jesuits
This church is regarded by many as the most beautiful in the Americas. Partially destroyed by fire, it was restored with assistance from the Getty Foundation and other benefactors. Stunning.
$6 for church (Aug 2026), +$3 for cupola (Jan 2023)
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La Merced
Old convent from colonial period with lots of gold leaf inside.
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Conjunto monumental San Francisco
This church dates to 1537 and was devoted to St Francis, since the Franciscan order was the first to settle in the area. Hence the city's official name: San Francisco de Quito. The church contains masterpieces of syncretic art, including the famous "Virgin of Quito" by Legarda. The sculpture represents a winged virgin stepping on the devil's head (in the form of a serpent) and is displayed in the main altar. The virgin would later be inaccurately replicated on top of Panecillo hill. The museum next door to the church is arranged through the monastic compound and includes access to the choir. Next to the choir you can also climb the stairs to enter the bell tower and the church roof, offering great panorama of the square.
$3 for the museum and the tower