Top 10 Quito Churches: Complete Guide to Ecuador’s Most Stunning Religious Architecture

Exploring Quito Churches: History, Art, and Architecture

Quito churches are among the finest examples of colonial religious architecture in the Americas, with over 80 churches and chapels spread across the city — roughly 40 of them concentrated in the UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Within this 320-hectare Old Town you’ll also find 32 museums, 7 convents, 6 monasteries, and 13 colonial squares. Their baroque, neo-gothic, neoclassical, and rococo designs have impressed thousands of visitors, making Quito’s churches the greatest attraction of Ecuador’s capital.

Church of the Society of Jesus

It carries with it the most famous facade of all the churches in Quito. Considered one of the masterpieces of Baroque architecture in South America. Its building began in the mid-1605s. For more than a century, the project summoned creators from diverse geographical origins. For this reason, it has four different styles (Mudejar, Churrigueresque, Neoclassical) in its architecture, although Baroque art predominates. 

The facade of the main temple is carved entirely in volcanic stone. It is admired one of the most important expressions of Baroque architecture in the American continent and in the world. Its internal ornamentation is completely covered with gold leaves. Is one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions and is an invaluable artistic and economic heritage for the country. On January 30, 1985, it was visited by Pope John Paul II, who presided over a mass in the temple. Between García Moreno and Sucre streets.

Known as the “Golden Church of Quito,” La Compañía de Jesús is covered in approximately 23 kilograms of gold leaf — making it one of the most lavish religious interiors in the entire world. The Quito School of Art (Escuela Quiteña) heavily influenced its design, blending European Baroque techniques with indigenous Andean symbolism. You’ll spot carved suns, local flowers, and faces of indigenous people woven into the gilded altarpieces — a uniquely Ecuadorian artistic fusion you won’t find anywhere else.

San Francisco Catholic Church

Its construction began on January 25th, 1535. For half a century, the great engine of the construction of San Francisco was a group of Flemish religious, architects, and artists. Led by the dynamic cousin of Emperor Charles V, Fray Jodoco Ricke. The resulting set is considered one of the best examples of American colonial architecture.

Has four cloisters, an orchard, a school (San Andrés) and some rooms. In 1893 the church towers were built. To level the ground, the director of works, Fray Jodoco Rick, raised a rectangular atrium 100 m long, closed with a handrail, and adorned with thirty spheres. According to legends, it was located in the same place where the palaces of the main captains of the Inca (Atahualpa) were settled. During the colonial era, the conventional set and the church underwent expansions and remodeling.

Its interior is arranged in three naves in the shape of a Latin cross. The central nave is elevated. It is said that the coffered ceilings of the Moorish style are the first in the art of the time. The main altarpiece of the high altar is made of cedar and has numerous carvings, some of them marked as the maximum expression of Quito sculpture.

Its choir is made up of 81 cedar chairs with elaborate carvings and numerous paintings of saints adorning the walls. You can visit this choir, and if you are in Holy Week, you can see the sculpture of Jesus of the Great Power (Jesus of the Great Power). Famous among the churches. It is the first and largest square in Quito.

On Cuenca and Sucre streets.

 El Sagrario Church

It is part of the whole of the Primate Cathedral of Quito. Its main second door (mampara) is considered one of the richest manifestations of the Quito Baroque. The lateral construction of the Cathedral, in relation to the Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square), was due to the presence of a ravine that prevented the proper arrangement of the building.

The Jesuit architect Marcos Guerra in the seventeenth century covered the ravine with an arch. The Spanish architect José Jaime Ortiz built the temple of El Sagrario in that space. There are three elements that give importance to El Sagrario within Quito’s colonial art. The dome, the columns of its façade, adorned with delicate reliefs, and the screen, located in front of the main nave. Located between García Moreno and Espejo streets.

It is characterized by a set of sculptures, finishes and decorations in Renaissance style. In 1694, the architect José Ortiz signed the contract for the construction of the church. That was included in the First Cadastral Book of the founders of the town of Quito. You will find works by Legarda and Francisco Albán. As fresco paintings of biblical scenes with archangels, among the churches of the case, here is the valuable mural painting of the dome and screen dating from the 18th century. The main altarpiece of the high altar is bathed in gold, and you can see the altar of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus).

(Nuestra Señora del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús).

Basilica and Convent of Nuestra Señora de la Merced

The Quito architect José Jaime Ortiz began its construction at the beginning of the 18th century under the direction of the according to the plans of the Extremaduran architect Francisco Becerra. The beauty of its altarpieces stands out. As well as its majestic cloister of two-columns.

Its atrium and other forms introduced in the general building were made to save the typical topographic features of the area. Its stone columns and semicircular arches are a manifestation of 18th century Baroque. Its main altarpiece, dedicated to the Virgin of Mercedes, sculpted in stone. Is a version of the baroque altarpieces of Bernardo de Legarda. Settled between Chile and Cuenca streets.

It is the first church and main headquarters of the Mercedarian Order in Ecuador. It is arranged by five domes and a square tower, decorated with Incas and Arabic inscriptions. The main altarpiece was carved and built by Bernardo de Legarda. Inside are several works by the artist Víctor Mideros. It maintains one of the most important historical libraries in the city.

Basilica of the National Vow (Basílica del Voto Nacional)

It serves as a border between old Quito and modern Quito. The Basilica is closely linked to the republican era of Ecuador. Inspired by the Parisian Cathedral of Notre Dame. It arose from the idea of building a monument as a perpetual memory of the consecration of Ecuador to the Heart of Jesus. Raised by Father Julio Matovelle, Deputy of the Republic in 1883.In 1892 its construction began and it was finished in 1988. 

It is valued the largest neo-Gothic temple in America, and the highest religious temple in Latin America. Inside, the first Sacred Heart of Jesus is venerated, (Sagrado Corazón de Jesús). That was painted when the Republic of Ecuador was consecrated in it. On its façade, it has gargoyles and animals. Symbols of Ecuador as blue-footed boobies, monkeys, jaguars, tortured, among others. In the Santa Prisca sector, between Carchi and Venezuela streets.

It is one of the most important churches from Ecuadorian neo-gothic architecture. One of the American continent’s most representative. It is compared to big cathedrals: Saint Patrick’s cathedral (NY) and Notre Dame’s cathedral (Paris). From its frontal towers (115 m) you will be able to find the most incredible sights in the south center of Quito. You will also be able to see the majestic Panecillo’s Virgin (Virgen del Panecillo).

Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito (Catedral Metropolitana de Quito)

One of the first buildings to be erected during the 16th century at the very beginning of the Colony. In its beginnings it was made of adobe and wood. Later it became stronger and more solid with its style that has been designated as Gothic-Mudejar. 

It is located as the main building in the Plaza Grande. One of its exterior attractions is in the parapet that overlooks this square and in the symmetry of the stones of the arch or temple of Carondelet. The layout of the building is designed according to the irregularities of the terrain. Most of the materials come from the quarries in nearby Pichincha. The cathedral was assigned from its beginnings to the bishop of the city of Quito. This gave it even more important than it already had. The church is located between García Moreno and Venezuela streets, on the south side of the Plaza Grande.

In 1995 it was raised to one of Ecuador’s Primate Cathedrals. Which was converted to a catholic temple of the major hierarchy of the Catholic Church of Ecuador. Its lateral altarpieces were carved by the first teachers of the Quito school, covered with gold leaf. In their niche, pictures of saints and martyrs. In the interior of the chapel next to the ‘’Sacristies’’, the remains of the ‘’Marshal Antonio Jose de Sucre’’ are worshipped.

Santa Barbara Catholic Church

Built by the architect Juan Pablo Sanz and was blessed on December 4, 1892. The first church was built in the 16th century, after the tobacconist revolution. They built it with a neoclassical design characteristic of the 19th century. After the damage caused by the earthquakes of 1987. Reconstruction and structural consolidation works were carried out on the walls and its dome.

This reconstruction was executed by the Salvage Fund. It is named after one of the martyrs of the Catholic Church, Santa Barbara. This emblematic temple houses the first cross of the seven that are grouped to form the street of the seven crosses (Calle de las Siete cruces). It focuses on one of the most traditional areas of Quito. 

So a replica of the traditional Cuenca square called the Plaza de las Flores was designed. Thus linking the tourist development of these two World Heritage Cities of Ecuador. Outside it has an atrium where there is an original swimming pool from the 16th century. Worked in a single block of stone and that served to distribute water to the first parish of Quito, Santa Bárbara. Located on García Moreno and Manabí streets.

This Churches Cross, next to the other 6 crosses distributed along the ‘’Seven Crosses ‘’ street. Are part of the Red Flag’s celebration, which remind the liberal ideas of ‘’Eugenio de Santa Cruz y Espejo.’’

The entry is free.

Santo Domingo Catholic Church

Its plans were made by the Extremaduran architect Francisco de Becerra in 1581. However, the church underwent major changes from the 19th century by Italian Dominicans who arrived around that date. Was completed in the mid-17th century. Is covered by works in cedar, gilding, and numerous paintings and carvings that adorn its entire interior. 

The Chapel of the Rosary is the best known among all the chapels of the Santo Domingo church. Next to your cruise ship, built on three different levels. This chapel overlooks the street of La Loma. Where to solve other problems of the terrain is the Arco de La Loma with buttresses in cones. It is on Flores street, in front of the Plaza de Santo Domingo.

The temple is covered in works made of cedarwood, gold leaf and several paintings which adorn its interior. Next to its high altar, the ten lateral chapels which complete next to the interior’s church, they enrich the internal body of the church. Contains gold plate in carpentry.

Church and Convent of San Agustín

The Church of San Agustín holds a special place in Ecuadorian history — it was inside its Chapter Hall that Ecuador’s Act of Independence was signed on August 10, 1809. This makes it not just one of the most beautiful quito churches, but also one of the most historically significant buildings in the entire country.

Built between the 16th and 17th centuries by the Augustinian order, the church features an impressive single nave with a stunning coffered ceiling inspired by Mudéjar design. The cloister houses a remarkable collection of paintings by Miguel de Santiago, one of the greatest masters of the Quito School of Art. His 16-painting series on the life of Saint Augustine is considered a masterpiece of colonial Latin American art.

Located on Chile and Guayaquil streets, the church is often less crowded than La Compañía or San Francisco, making it a peaceful spot to appreciate colonial architecture without the crowds. Entry is free, and the Chapter Hall museum is open Monday to Saturday.

Monastery of El Carmen Alto

Tucked away on García Moreno street — known locally as the “Street of Seven Crosses” — the Monastery of El Carmen Alto is one of Quito’s hidden gems. Founded in 1653 by Carmelite nuns, this monastery is closely linked to Santa Mariana de Jesús, Ecuador’s first canonized saint, who lived and died in a house on this very site.

The monastery museum opened in 2013 and offers a fascinating glimpse into cloistered religious life during the colonial period. You’ll find an impressive collection of religious art, including sculptures and paintings from the renowned Quito School. The pharmacy section displays centuries-old herbal remedies that the nuns prepared for the community — a tradition they continue today.

Don’t miss the famous aguas de Carmen — aromatic herbal waters that the Carmelite nuns still sell through a wooden turntable (torno) at the entrance. These traditional remedies have been a Quito tradition for over 300 years. The museum costs approximately $4 USD and is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Visiting Quito Churches: Practical Tips

Planning to explore these famous churches in Quito Ecuador? Here are the essential details you need before heading to the Historic Center.

Dress code: Most quito churches require modest attire — covered shoulders and knees. Carry a light scarf in your bag, especially if visiting La Compañía or the Metropolitan Cathedral. Photography is generally allowed without flash, but La Compañía charges an extra fee for camera use.

Best Walking Route to Visit All 10 Quito Churches

All ten churches in Quito Ecuador are located within the Historic Center, and you can visit them all on foot in a single day. I recommend starting early — around 9:00 AM — to beat both the crowds and the afternoon clouds.

Suggested route (approximately 3-4 hours): Start at the Basílica del Voto Nacional — climb the towers first thing in the morning for the best views. Walk south along Venezuela street to El Carmen Alto, then continue to La Compañía de Jesús (the golden church). Cross the street to El Sagrario and the Metropolitan Cathedral on Plaza Grande. Head west to San Agustín, then south to La Merced. Continue to Santa Barbara along the famous “Street of Seven Crosses.” Walk down to San Francisco plaza — take a break here for coffee. Finish at Santo Domingo plaza, just a few blocks east.

Pro tip: Hire a local guide for about $30-50 USD for a half-day tour. They’ll share stories and historical context you won’t find in any guidebook. We can arrange a private quito churches tour for you — just let us know your dates.