El Palacio Arzobispal (The Archbishop's Palace)

Location:
Chile and García Moreno
Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador

Historical Building

V!VA User‘s Description

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, the central courtyard of the palace with its whitewashed walls and wooden balconies has been converted into a food court offering everything from a quick burger to first class dining. One of Quito’s most famous restaurants, Mea Culpa overlooks the plaza from its first floor location, and is a great place for a splurge (for more informaion on the eateries inside the palace, see restaurant reviews). On Friday evenings locals pour into the courtyard to watch the free performances of dancing and singing.