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Centro Histórico
The Centro Histórico is an extensive colonial center built over the ashes of what was once a major part of the Inca empire.
The first area named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1978, Quito's Centro Histórico will transport you back and forth between centuries as you meander down its cobblestone streets and pedestrian walkways, passing by vendors selling everything from choclo (Andean corn) to DVDs. At the beginning of the 20th century, Quito fit within the boundaries of Old Town. Today, it is just a small slice of Quito, though undoubtedly the sector richest with history. Some of Ecuador's most famous battles and executions took place in the plazas that now peacefully bustle with tourists, beggars, protestors and locals out for a stroll.
Once considered dangerous, Old Town has drastically changed over the last three years, thanks mainly to the current mayor, Paco Moncayo. Sidewalk vendors are banned, many of the facades have been repainted, the Trolle and Ecovia cut down on bus traffic and fumes, and most importantly, the police are a strong presence deterring pickpockets and other criminals. As with all places, be cautious and discreet as the streets do quickly fill with people and tourists are still a bit of an oddity in this section of Quito.
Veer off from the guided tour and spend some quality time in the plazas and side streets that feature exquisite colonial architecture and winding pathways which open up into lovely courtyards.
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Things to do in Centro Histórico
La Basílica del Voto Nacional
A relatively new addition to the Quito skyline, and now one of its most striking landmarks, is the Basilica del Voto Nacional, or simply ‘the Basilica’. Consecrated in 1988 (though still
...Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador
Mirador El Panecillo
El Panecillo, or to use the Inca name, Yavirac, is a lush green hill visible from many different points in Quito. La Virgen del Panecillo, the winged virgin sitting atop the hill, is essentially the
...Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador
Plaza San Francisco
The cobbled Plaza de San Francisco is one of Quito’s oldest and most impressive sights, including, as it does, views of the magnificently white Monastery of San Francisco and, in the distance, the
...Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador
Iglesia y Museo de Santo Domingo
The Iglesia de Santo Domingo may at first seem like one of those churches that is far more impressive from the outside. However, step into its dimly lit, moody interior and you’ll find some
...Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador
Parque Alameda
Between the old and new towns, the small triangular Parque Alameda is the closest open space to the Centro Historico, and therefore one of the busiest in the city. The grassy banks of the boating
...Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador
Plaza Santo Domingo
Towards the south of the city, the wide open Plaza de Santo Domingo is dominated by the Iglesia de Santo Domingo on the southeastern edge, and statue of marshal Mariscal Sucre in the centre, his arm
...Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador
El Palacio Arzobispal (The Archbishop's Palace)
Opposite the cathedral in the Plaza Grande, the former Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop’s Palace) now houses a row of shops, ranging from delicatessens to clothes stores. During the last few years,
...Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador
Museo del Banco Central
This extensive and fascinating museum allows visitors to take a stroll through the archeological and artistic evolution of Ecuador and its people. The galleries are presented in chronological
...Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador
Calle La Ronda
Parting from Benalcázar street in Old Town, the downhill walk through calle La Ronda is a short journey through a very significant representation of Colonial life in Quito. It was this slim alleyway
...Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador
Plaza de la Independencia
As you wander around the Centro Histórico, you’ll probably find yourself walking into the majestic Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande), at some point, even if you haven't been looking for it.
...Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador
Palacio del Gobierno
The building on the northwestern side of the plaza above the row of arched, hole-in-the-wall shops, is the Palacio del Gobierno (Presidential Palace). Only the entrance area is open to the public,
...Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador
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