Catedral Metropolitana de Quito (Quito Cathedral), Quito

The Quito Metropolitan Cathedral, known as Quito Cathedral, is located on the southwestern side of Independence Plaza. Construction on the church began in the mid-1550s. The architect in charge of the first two construction stages was the Spanish Antonio García. The Cathedral was officially completed and consecrated by the second Bishop of Quito, Pedro de la Peña, in 1572.

In 1660, the church was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Pichincha. Much of the damaged sections were rebuilt, and the entire church was completed in 1806. The church combines Baroque, Moorish, Neoclassic, and Gothic designs. The interior features artwork by Ecuadorian sculptor Manuel Chili, known as Caspicara.

From 1545 to 1848, the church served as the seat of the Diocese of Quito. In 1848, it became the Archdiocese of the city. And in 1995, it became the official Cathedral of Ecuador.

Quinto Cathedral is the final resting place of Field Marshal Antonio José de Sucre, Quito’s liberator, Cardinal de la Torre, an Ecuadorian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as former Ecuadorian presidents and bishops.