Plaza del Teatro (Theater Square), Quito

Quito comes with a lot of history, and this is evident when visiting Theater Square, a small traditional square in the historic district of the city. Before the square, it was a marketplace, a bullring, and a slaughterhouse.

Today, the square’s main landmark is the Sucre National Theater, Ecuador’s largest theatre opened in 1886. It’s a beautifully designed Baroque-style building with a Neoclassical façade. Quito’s main theater, offers concerts, plays, and dance performances. The cultural center is also home to the National Symphonic Orchestra. The oldest theater is named after Antonio José de Sucre, one of the most influential leaders in the fight for independence against the Spanish. He liberated Quito from Spanish rule in 1822.

The square sits in the center of cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants, and colorful architecture. UNESCO named Quito’s old town a Cultural Heritage Site. If you’re taking a break from a busy day of seeing museums and churches, the Theater Square is a perfect place to sit down, grab a coffee, and people-watch.