During our stay in Quito, we had the opportunity to visit many of the churches in the historic city center. Within a five-block radius from the central plaza, there are fifteen colonial catholic churches (there are 25 colonial catholic churches in the historic city center) each with its own unique character and beauty. Some of them are pictured below.

As beautiful as these churches are, the most impressive church in Quito sits atop a hill overlooking the historic center. El Basilica Del Voto Nacional (Basilica of National Vows), is the largest neo-gothic basilica in the Americas.

Because of its structure and style, it is compared to two of the most famous cathedrals in the world: St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York and Cathedral Notre-Dame in Paris. Ecuadorians started building it in 1892; however, it wasn’t until 1985 that the Basilica, blessed by Pope John Paul II, was officially opened. The basilica is still officially unfinished, and a legend exists that completion of the building will signify the end of the world.

There are a lot of similarities between the basilica in Quito and the Cathedral Notre-Dame. For example, both incorporate gargoyles but the basilica in Quito incorporates Ecuadorian birds and animals including iguanas, sea turtles, monkeys, and condors.

On a sunny morning, we explored this magnificent church with the help of a tour guide who showed us many of the areas that make it special.

First, we climbed up to one of the clock towers where the view of the city below was spectacular. We walked through some of the back rooms and alcoves and saw how massive this structure really is. But the highlight of the tour was climbing to the top of the spire which challenged my fear of heights.

In order to get to the top, we had to be accompanied by a guide which seemed reassuring. I don’t know if we could have found our way to the top nor would we have climbed the steep ladders without the encouragement of the guide.

Climbing to the Top

First, we climbed stairs to reach one of the clock towers which gave us a great view of the spire (our destination).

Above the domes, we made our way across planks to get to the other side of the church. Then we saw three sets of ladders. After climbing the first one, we both felt a little relief that we had reached the first level.

After a short walk, we came to another set of stairs. The stairs were not frightening but the fact that they were in what appeared to be mid-air with nothing below made me a little nervous. I was relieved that the third set of stairs was much more manageable. I can’t imagine allowing people to climb around on any structure like this in the United States. But as our tour guide said, “The basilica hasn’t lost anyone yet.”

Once we were at the top. the view was breathtaking and we could see the city square and beyond. I couldn’t help but think that this basilica perched high on a hill watches over the city,

Throughout Quito, there are many places from which to see great views of the city but none quite like this from the top of the basilica. We were glad we took the time to explore the colonial churches in Quito. The churches, cathedral, and basilica are the core of old town Quito and a major reason that Quito, capital of Ecuador, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.