Entrada a la Ciudad

Entrada a la Ciudad

Loja's "Gate"

Also known as Puerta de la Ciudad (Portal de la Ciudad), the Entrada a la Ciudad de Loja is without a doubt Loja’s most recognizable landmark. Built to look like a medieval gatehouse, complete with (fake) portcullis, the Entrada a la Ciudad straddles Sucre Street as it leaves downtown to the north. The Entrada crosses a very small river (it seems like overkill, in fact: you could probably jump over the “river”) and there is a small park-like area on either side. There is even a very small parking lot for those who wish to see the building.

Inside the castle-like structure, you’ll find a free art museum, a snack bar, and a wandering maze of stairways, balconies and towers. There is a small information desk. The gatehouse is well-kept, attractive and more than a little fun: you’ll want to stop and see it, and you’ll only need about 20 minutes. Across the street to the south are two dazzling murals dedicated to Simón Bolívar and José Antonio de Sucre, heroes of Ecuadorian independence.

Location:
Loja, Ecuador

Museum

Getting There
Impossible to miss, where 18 Noviembre, Nueva Loja and Sucre streets converge.

Travel Skills: None

By Christopher Minster

I am a writer and editor at V!VA Travel guides here in Quito, where I specialize in adding quality content to the site and also in spooky things like...

Created: 11 Apr 2007

Updated: 23 Mar 2009

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