Cuenca's Central Park and Flower Market

Location:
Cuenca, Ecuador

City Plaza

By Christopher Minster

Cuenca’s beautifully tended Central Park, Parque Calderón, is an attractive, expansive area of flowers and trees. It is also a monument to Abdón Calderón, a native cuencano who fought in the battle of Pichincha, a pivotal confrontation in Ecuador’s struggle for independence. According to local legend, a critically injured Calderón crawled to the summit of Pichincha Volcano, where he planted the Ecuadorian flag in defiance of the Spanish. This legend is probably embellished somewhat, but it is true, according to historical documents, that he received four wounds in the battle yet continued to fight. He died in Quito five days later, and to this day, Ecuadorian soldiers who show tremendous courage are awarded the Abdón Calderón medal.

The park is flanked on two sides by churches: to the east is the colonial El Sagrario church, which is today more of a museum than a church. On the west is the massive La Inmaculada Church, which features the blue domes for which Cuenca is famous. Next to La Inmaculada is a restaurant and an ice cream shop.

A half block away to the west, sort of to the side of the Inmaculada Church, you’ll find the Cuenca flower market, where women sell locally grown flowers from about a dozen stands. The entrance to La Carmen de la Asunción convent is there as well: the nuns sell religious items through a special window. The market is picturesque, but the sellers are a bit short with tourists who snap photos but don’t buy anything.

Open Hours from:Select one

Travel Skills: None

Traveler Reviews of Cuenca's Central Park and Flower Market

Flower market

Rating: 75%

Colorful place where you can feel the gentle warm of the people

By V!VA User from US, Apr 21, 2008