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 technically unfinished) the church stands on a steep hill to the northeast of the old town and can be seen from almost everywhere in the city, particularly at night when it is illuminated, beacon-like, in bright green and blue.

The highlight of a visit here is undoubtedly the climb up the tower, which offers several vantage points along the way. The first flight of stone stairs leads to a balcony where you can look down on the nave, its stone arches mottled in the bright colours of the stained glass windows. The second flight leads up to a southern viewpoint with a telescope, offering a close-up inspection of some of the old town’s other landmarks, including the Virgin perched on the Panecillo opposite. From here you have to negotiate a tenuous-looking (though perfectly safe) causeway and exposed iron ladder to get to the top. If you can manage it, you will be rewarded with excellent views that, on a clear day, stretch for miles over both the new and old parts of the city - something even the Panecillo can’t claim.

Location:
Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador

Historical Building

Open Hours from:9 a.m.

Open Hours to:5 p.m.

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Reviews

Traveler Reviews of La Basílica del Voto Nacional

Great Pictures to take

I loved the vitrals and the neo-gothic style. It's a kind of beautiful but at the same time mistery place. People is lovely there and very kind.

Traveler from Zürich, Switzerland on Jul 31, 2006

I will back

is a great place

Traveler from new york usa on Jul 14, 2006