Plaza de la Independencia

City Plaza

V!VA User‘s Description

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.

The plaza is as much a local hangout as a tourist hot spot, and is always buzzing with life, regardless of the time or the weather. You could comfortably spend half a day here, exploring the attractions around the edges of the Plaza. Take your time, there's a lot to see.

Among the plaza's attractions is the 19th century Iglesia de la Cathedral, on the southwestern side; opposite the cathedral is the colonnaded Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop’s Palace). 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). On the corner between the presidential palace and the cathedral is the Centro Cultural Metropolitano, and inside the cultural center is the Museo Alberto Meno Caamaño.

The changing of the guard happens twice daily at the Palace: If you are in town on a Monday make sure to get to the Plaza at 11 a.m. to see the impressive weekly military ceremony.

Traveler Reviews of Plaza de la Independencia

Beautiful

Rating: 0%

The colonial building surrounding the plaza make this a really special place in Quito.

By V!VA User, May 11, 2007