Constructed by Spanish architect Francisco Becerra in 1573 and then rebuilt after the earthquake in 1868, this beautifully designed church and monestary holds political and artistic significance to Ecuador.  The nation's Declaration of Independence was signed here in on August 10, 1809, and the interior contains gigantic, gorgeous depictions of St. Augustine's life by painter Miguel de Santiago, famous in the Quitan school of art.  Ornately designed altars and cloisters fill the multi-level building, including the main altar brought in from Rome.  Of powerful significance is a golden crucifix by Olmos, an 18th-century Quiteno artist.

Location:
Chile 924 and Guayaquil
Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador

Historical Building

Price Description: $1 - general admission

$0.50 - students and senior citizens

Open Hours from:Select one

Open Hours to:9:00 - 1:00 and 2:30 - 5:00(Monday through Friday); 9:00 - 1:00 (Saturday)

Days Closed:Closed on Sundays.

Travel Skills: None

Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande), other major churches and museums in the Centro Histórico.

Contact Information:
Phone: 593-2-295-5525

By Rachel Anderson

I'm a twentysomething dandelion floating across the field of youth. I have an unquenchable thirst for writing, exploring and cheap wine. A cross...

Created: 04 May 2005

Updated: 12 Mar 2009

Academia Latinoamericana - Learn Spanish in Quito, Ecuador All levels. The most effective methods. University credit through New Mexico State University. Reasonable rates & more www.latinoschools.com

4 & 5** Custom & Scheduled Tours by www.SouthAmerica.travel Create your own travel itinerary with our custom Travel Planner, or choose from one of our 100s of carefully designed itineraries. Special escorted departures. SouthAmerica.travel