Santo Domingo Church and Square, Quito

The Church of Santo Domingo is a must-visit attraction for those who appreciate religious architecture and history. Located in the historic center of Quito, the church and its accompanying convent and chapels occupy a large space facing the Plaza de Santo Domingo. The plaza is named after the church, which is one of the most important in Quito.

The church's interior is richly decorated, with cedar work covered in gold leaf and many paintings and carvings adorning the walls. The main altar is especially impressive, and there are ten side chapels that add to the splendor of the interior. The Chapel of the Virgen del Rosario is particularly noteworthy, but visitors should also take the time to explore the other chapels and appreciate the cultural significance of the temple.

The Cloister is another highlight of the complex, with its elegant corridors and bays adorned with double arches and octagonal pillars. It was designed by brother Antonio Rodríguez, based on the plans of Francisco Becerra.

The Chapel del Rosario is the richest and most famous of the church's chapels. It is located on the south side of the transept and is built on three different levels. From this chapel, visitors can see the Arch of Santo Domingo, which was built to overcome an unevenness in the land and features cone-shaped buttresses that resemble lookout posts.

The Plaza de Santo Domingo is a lovely open space in front of the church. At the center of the plaza, there is a monument to Marshal Antonio José de Sucre, a Venezuelan hero of the Independence. Around the plaza, visitors can also find important civil buildings, such as the old Colonial University of Santo Tomás de Aquino and the mansion of former president Gabriel García Moreno.

The plaza has undergone several transformations over the years, from a simple esplanade to a park and then a bus station. Today, it is paved with stone and offers visitors a quiet place to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.