Compared to the ornate extravagance of many churches in the Old Town, Iglesia San Marcos is relatively quaint. Constructed over an 87-year period that began prior to the 17th century, the exterior pink stucco adorned with understated white detailing exudes a more pious, colonial feel than you get in most of the more popular religious stops for travelers. Still very much a functional place of worship for those that reside in the surrounding neighborhood, the cathedral opens to the public only on weekends. Passing by on a quiet day mid-week you are much more likely to find viejitos reading on benches in the immaculately kept courtyard or small groups of students sketching the architectural detail of the period structure.

Location:
Junín y Gutiérrez
Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador

Historical Building

Price Description: Free

Relative price: Free

Days Closed:Monday-Friday

Travel Skills: None

Located within historical barrio of San Marcos, great for observing architecture and day-to-day life of residents

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