Quito - Culture
Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, at an altitude of 2,850 m, the capital of Ecuador has, despite the 1917 earthquake, the best preserved and least modified historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and the Jesuit College of La Compania with their rich interior decorations are pure examples of the "Baroque School of Quito" which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art.
Museums
Most of the museums are located in the historic district, otherwise known as old town. The town museum, or
"Museo de la Ciudad" opened in August 98 and is the most modern and the most spectacular among Quito's museums. It is a massive place and has many different exhibitions dating from early pre-colombian cultures to recent development. The museum also maintains a multimedia section. The museum is situated close to plaza 24 de Mayo (not the safest area in town but worth a visit!).
Museo Arte Colonial has paintings and sculptures from the Colonial period in the 14th century to late 18th century.
Museo de Arte e Historia Alberto Mena Caamano has archeological exhibitions, modern art, colonial art, etc.
Museo Aurelio Espinoza Polit also has archeological items, old maps and ethnological exhibitions.
Museo Ecuatoriano de Ciencias Naturales is situated in the Parque La Carolina and has a botanic garden, a small zoo and mineral collection.
Museo Casa Sucre is where Mariscal Sucre lived and here you will find information about the history of the republic and colonial art.
Museo convento de San Diego has a colonial art exhibition.
Museo de sitio del Rumicucho has an archeological exhibition.
Museo Templo de la Patria is situated on the way to the Mount Pichincha and has exhibitions about the army and history of Ecuador.
Museo Etnografico Mitad del Mundo is situated on the Equator center and has an ethnological exhibition.
Museo Guillermo Peres Chiriboga del Banco Central is situated in the Casa de la Cultura and has exhibitions of modern art, colonial art and archeology.
Museo Camilo Egas del Banco Central has an impressive collection of Camilo Egas' work .
Museo Jacinto Jijon an exhibition of colonial art and Ecuadorian art.
Museo de la Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana is situated in the Casa de la Cultura and has modern art, colonial art, photographs, etc.
Museo Templete de los Heroes Nacionales is a military museum.
Museo Etnografico del Colegio Nacional Mejia has an ethnological exhibition.
Museo Antropologico Shuar tells the history of the Shuar indians.
Museo Weilbauer is a archeological museum.
Museo Aeronautico y del Espacio is an aeronatic museum situated in a military camp close to the airport.
Museo National de Historia de la Medicina is situated in the old town and has an exhibition of the history of the medicine in Ecuador.
Museo Casa de Benalcazar has an exhibition with colonial art.
Museo de Artesanias CEFA shows popular art, ceramics, wood carvings, etc.
Churches
Most of Quito's churches are located in the old town. There are 86 churches in Quito and the most famous being:
San Fransisco is said to be the first religious building constructed in South America by the Spanish. It is situated at the Plaza San Fransisco.
Santo Domingo is situated on Plaza Santo Domingo and has many wood carvings and a remarkable Chapel.
La Cathedral is situated at the Plaza de la
El Sagrario is situated round the corner of Plaza Independencia and is known as one of the most beautiful churches in Quito.
La Compania is situated right across from El Sagrario. It maintains the most ornate and richly sculptured facade and interior.
La Merced has the oldest clock in Quito and the Basilica is the largest church in Quito and has a wonderful view from the top.
One of the most beautiful churches in Quito is situated in the north in the "pueblo" of Guapulo. Basilica of Guapulo was constructed in 1693 but refurbished in the late 1990s.
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