Old Town Quito | Ecuador

Jan 17

The restored colonial architecture in Quito's Centro Histórico (Old Town Quito) is amazing. I was fortunate to be able to visit both at night and during the day. Incredible to see the details during the day and magical at night. There are many stories and legends behind Quito's churches which make them that much more interesting and unique.

The Church of the Society of Jesus (Spanish: La Iglesia de La Compañía de Jesús) is well known for its large central gold leaf gilded plaster and wood carvings. I wish I could describe the interior where photos were not allowed, but I would never be able to do it justice.

San Francisco - the Church and Monastery of St. Francis (Spanish: Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco), is a 16th century roman Catholic complex in Plaza de San Francisco.

While visiting my Spanish Teacher in Quito, Mariana, told me the story of Cantuña, an indigenous builder who according to the legend sold his soul to the devil so the devil would help him complete the church of San Francisco on time. But just before the deadline, Cantuña removed a single stone from the structure, meaning the church was never completed, thereby tricking the devil and saving his soul. She showed me where one stone is different in the structure.