Cultural attractions in Quito

Cultural Highlights of Quito

Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains a dense concentration of colonial architecture and religious art. This collection features the Neo-Gothic Basilica of the National Vow, the 16th-century San Francisco religious complex, and the Carondelet Palace, seat of the Ecuadorian government. Museums like the Chapel of Man and Casa del Alabado showcase pre-Columbian artifacts and the modern legacy of Oswaldo Guayasamín, while the Sucre National Theatre serves as the city’s primary performing arts venue.

Cultural Highlights of Quito — Map

A

Basilica of the National Vow

The Basilica of the National Vow is a Roman Catholic church located in the historic center of Quito, Ecuador.

Francesco Bailo / Public domain

B

Church and Convent of St. Francis

The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, commonly known as el San Francisco, is a Catholic basilica that stands in the middle of the…

C

Iglesia de Santo Domingo

A 16th-century Dominican church and convent featuring Mudéjar-style carvings and the ornate Chapel of the Virgin of the Rosary. The complex houses a collection of colonial-era religious art and a historic library.

H3kt0r / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Palacio Arzobispal

The former residence of the Archbishops of Quito, this colonial-era palace now serves as a public space featuring traditional restaurants and shops centered around its historic courtyards on the Plaza de la Independencia.

H3kt0r / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Palacio de Carondelet

Carondelet Palace is the seat of government of the Republic of Ecuador, located in Quito.

David Adam Kess / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

City Museum

The City Museum is a museum in the colonial center of Quito, Ecuador. It is located on Garcia Moreno Street, between Morales and Rocafuerte.

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

El Sagrario Church

La Iglesia de El Sagrario is a Renaissance Catholic church in the city of Quito, capital of Ecuador.

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Chapel of Man

The last of architect Guayasamín's works. A tribute to the struggle of man worldwide and a sight like no other - do not miss.

I

Itchimba Cultural Centre

The huge building hosts all sorts of art exhibits, events and more - just check the programme.

J

Catedral Metropolitana Quito

Situated on the Plaza de la Independencia, this 16th-century cathedral blends Gothic-Mudéjar, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. It serves as the final resting place of independence hero Antonio José de Sucre.

Yosemite~commonswiki / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Sucre House

Sucre House is a museum in the historic center of Quito, Ecuador. It was established in 1977 by the Ministry of Defence.

L

Quito Metropolitan Culture Centre

One of the oldest buildings in the city. Hosts art exhibits, music events and more.

Casa de la Cultura del Guayas / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

House of Ecuadorian Culture

La Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana is a cultural organization founded by Benjamín Carrión on August 9, 1944, during the presidency of Dr…

Trude Sojka / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Trude Sojka Cultural House

Gertrud Sojka, known as Trude Sojka, was a Czech – Ecuadorian and Jewish painter and sculptor, creator of an original technique using…

Dimplemonkey / CC BY 2.0

O

Sucre National Theatre

Reopened and renovated just a few years ago, this theatre is the city's cultural hub and the plays here are high-quality.

Rubén Ramirez / CC0

P

Museo de Arte Precolombino Casa del Alabado

Casa del Alabado is an active cultural space that offers, through its temporary exhibitions and agenda, an articulation between artifacts…

Pablo Ruiz / CC-BY-SA

Q

Alberto Mena Caamaño Museum

The museum's first collection was donated by one gentleman only. It features not only colonial art, but also displays on the city's history.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

R

Museo Oswaldo Guayasamín

The former residence and workshop of artist Oswaldo Guayasamín. The museum displays his personal collection of pre-Columbian ceramics, colonial religious art, and a gallery of his own expressive paintings.

Other Lists

Quito Essentials UNESCO World Heritage Sites Historic Churches of Quito Quito Parks & Viewpoints