Reliquary of the Americas: Quito’s Old Town

Quito’s Old City, a wondrous maze of colonial architecture, is the largest and best-preserved in the Americas. Having endured a massive upgrade in recent years – with historic buildings restored and dicey barrios revitalized – the Old Town now boasts an impressive list of notable wonders: nearly 60 colonial churches and plazas, a bevy of Independence-era buildings, dozens … Continue reading “Reliquary of the Americas: Quito’s Old Town”

Scenes from Quito's Old Town, a colonial gem of a city

Quito’s Old City, a wondrous maze of colonial architecture, is the largest and best-preserved in the Americas. Having endured a massive upgrade in recent years – with historic buildings restored and dicey barrios revitalized – the Old Town now boasts an impressive list of notable wonders: nearly 60 colonial churches and plazas, a bevy of Independence-era buildings, dozens of private homes, and a long list of outstanding museums.

Wandering the Old Town is a treat for the eyes and I was entertained for days. I’m not normally a huge fan of Latin American capital cities but the lure of Quito’s centro histórico is hard to resist!

Views above Quito from the clock towers of the Basílica del Voto Nacional
One of the sunset-lit volcanoes towering above Quito\'s Old Town
Soldiers during the elaborate Changing of the Guard each Monday in Quito\'s Plaza Grande
Presidential campaigners in front of the spectacular baroque church La Compañía de Jesús, the most beautiful I have ever seen
Posing with quiteño street graffiti... I love the ironic anti-TV message: \"Consume! Everything\'s fine\" and \"Don\'t question\"
Fine view of El Panecillo hill overlooking Quito\'s Old Town
The cookies in Quito\'s fragrant panaderías always made me smile
Passersby in front of San Francisco church strewn with rose petals after a wedding
Good cops in Quito\'s Old Town
Church goers in Quito\'s Old Town
Fine pre-colonial art on display at the outstanding Casa del Alabado museum, a must-see when in Quito
A farewell beer with Paul at Vista Hermosa, our favorite cocktail joint in Quito

2 thoughts on “Reliquary of the Americas: Quito’s Old Town”

  1. I’m so relieved to read the grafitti reasuring me that everything is fine with you both and that you are not asking questions. I should hope not! Be polite.

    Wow, what churches. And they are pope-less. Don’t ask questions. Love, Mom

    Reply

    1. Yes, things are certainly fine with me and I am being polite (of course — you raised me well!). The churches were spectacular but sad, even here in Latin America the catholic churches are losing followers. So much gold and so few people to enjoy it.

      Reply

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