Cathedral of Quito 🇪🇨

Located on the southwestern side of Quito's Plaza de la Independencia, the Quito Metropolitan Cathedral stands as the seniormost Catholic church in Ecuador. Initially founded in the 1530s as a simple adobe building, the structure evolved over centuries of construction and earthquake restorations into a monumental white-painted church featuring Gothic-Mudéjar architectural elements.

As you explore the exterior, you will notice three Neo-Classical green glazed ceramic domes and the Carondelet Arch, an early 19th-century semi-circular staircase that connects the building directly to the plaza. Inside, point your eyes upward to admire the central nave’s extraordinary cedar coffered ceiling, Moorish influences, and golden frieze.

You will discover remarkable colonial artwork from the famous Quito School of Art, including Bernardo de Legarda’s 1734 sculpture Inmaculada, Manuel de Samaniego’s Assumption of the Virgin, and pieces by Caspicara. The cathedral also holds deep historical weight as a resting place for notable figures; you can view the mausoleum chapel of independence leader Antonio José de Sucre and visit a plaque marking where President Gabriel García Moreno was shot in 1875.

What to see at Cathedral of Quito

• Marvel at the 19th-century Carondelet Arch and green glazed ceramic domes
• See colonial masterworks by Quito School artists like Legarda and Caspicara
• Visit the Mausoleum Chapel containing the remains of independence leader Antonio José de Sucre
• Admire the central nave's Moorish-influenced carved cedar coffered ceiling
• Examine historical plaques commemorating the 1534 founding of Quito

Visiting tips

Look closely at the transept dome to spot its famous iron rooster weather vane atop the roof.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Wednesday morning of Holy Week

How to get there & what’s nearby

Cathedral of Quito is easy to reach on Quito’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Quito travel guide.