La Compañía - Historical Building Quito - Ecuador

Carved entirely out of volcanic stone, the ornate Baroque façade of this Jesuit church is probably the most exquisitely executed in Quito. From the arresting outside, walk inside and you’ll be awed by the sculptured interior, shimmering beneath 120 pounds of fine gold leaf. A stunning display of art and architecture, appointed with a community of cherubs, angels and saints, keeps the eyes busy as the feet shuffle between the skyward stretching Corinthian pillars, soaring arches and carefully decorated cornices. Jesuits began work on the church in 1605, but it wasn’t complete until 1765 (a lucky coincidence considering the Spanish expelled the order just two years later). Today, some of the most important, and impressive artifacts to grace the interior are housed in the vaults of the Banco Central; one such piece is the stunning emerald-framed painting of the Virgin Dolorosa.

Location:

García Moreno and Sucre, one block south of Plaza de la Independencía

Historical Building Types:
Churches, Colonial architecture, Church and museum, Churches and religious buildings, Spiritual/Religious

Travel Tips:

Tourists are not allowed in during mass hours. Free entrance and tours are given the first Sunday of each month, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Price Description:

ADMISSION: $3 foreigner adults, $1.50 national adults, $1.50 foreigner university students, $1 national university students, $0.50 national primary school students

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m., Sunday 1:30 p.m., Holidays 9:30 a.m.

Open Hours to:Monday-Friday 5:30 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m., Sunday 4:30 p.m., Holidays 4 p.m.

Travel Skills: None

Currencies accepted
US dollar

Contact Information:
Phone: 02-258-1895/4175
URL: www.fundacioniglesiadelacompania.org.ec