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Capital of Ecuador Quito was declared Cultural Patrimony of Mankind by the UNESCO in 1978.Besides its amazing landscapes, surrounded by hills and several snowcapped mountains, Quito is known for its Colonial Churches, paintings, sculptures and carvings. The lovely city of Quito was founded in 1534 by Sebastian de Benalcazar a Spanish conqueror. The city was built on the ruins of the old city of Quito, one of the capitals of the Inca Empire, which sits at 2,800 mts above sea level. History of the Capital of EcuadorDuring the pre-Columbian era several Indian groups inhabited Quito city, including the Quitus from whom the city took its name.In the beginning of the 16th century, while the Incas controlled Ecuador, Quito served as the capital of the northern half of the Ican empire. In 1533, the Inca General Rumiñahui destroyed Quito so that it would not fall into the hands of the advancing Spanish Conquerors. Just a year later, after the Spanish conquered the Inca empire, the Spanish Lieutenant Sebastian de Benalcazar began rebuilding Quito from the ruins the Indian Rumiñahui left behind. The capital of Ecuador is the center of Ecuadorian nationality. It is here where the first Outcry for Independence of South America was raised on August 10th 1809. The fight for liberty culminated in the Battle of Pichincha in 1822, observed by Quito's inhabitants from bell towers, terraces and balconies. Ecuador capital, Quito has conserved 86 Colonial period churches, as well as a large historical old-town area, with architecture of Spanish school. The religious Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits, Augustinians and Mercedarians also contributed to make Quito a city with many churches and monasteries, with plazas and retreats embellished by religious statues and paintings of extraordinary beauty. Weather in the Capital of EcuadorQuito altitude: is of 2,800 Mts (9252 feet) above the sea level, but don't think it is a cold city in fact during the day is warm and sunny most of the year round; it gets a bit chilly at nights though.Quito's climate is around 53 - 70 F (13 - 20 C) during the day and 40 - 50 F (8 - 11 C) in the evenings. The climate in the Andes Mountains varies according to the altitude and the time of the year. Quito is almost twice as high as Denver, Colorado in USA. There are two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season is called winter and the dry is considered summer. Quito's summer lasts about 4 months, from June to September. The winter or rainy season in Quito (wet season) goes from October through May, though even during this period the climate is very diverse. There are enough sunny days during the rainy season to accommodate all. Quito Main AttractionsIt is located in the main Square, the Cathedral has an interesting collection of Colonial sculptures and paintings. El Sagrario Church: This church was originally the main chapel of the cathedral, built for the cult of the Blessed Sacrament. It has been kept for this service until these days. La Compania de Jesus Church: It is one of the richest churches in America. The extraordinary front wall can be described as a lace-work on stone. The splendor that meets your eye as you go into the church is unforgettable. You can see the vaulted ceiling and the walls with beautiful Moorish ornamentation, the perfect harmony and the richness of the main altar. The reproduction of the Salomon columns of the facade, the incredible clustered Baroque in the tribunes on both sides of the main altar, in the pulpit and in the lateral chapels. San Francisco Church: This church was built after the Spanish Conquest and is said to have given the capital of Ecuador its proper name: San Francisco de Quito. The atrium running along one side of the plaza is opened in the middle to give way to a beautiful staircase. The main altar holds the original masterpiece by Legarda: "La Virgen de Quito" (Quito's Virgin). This sculpture is the only winged image of Virgin Mary in colonial art. El Panecillo: Many historical happenings took place on this natural hill that stands in the Capital of Ecuador (Quito). Panecillo means "little bread" referring to its peculiar size and shape. The Virgin that stands on the hill, which consists of 7,000 pieces of aluminum, is a modern representation of the famous Virgin of Quito. There is a balcony in the upper part of the pedestal of the Virgin, which provides a beautiful view of the colonial and the modern Capital of Ecuador "Quito". The Middle of the World Monument: This popular site is located 25 minutes from Quito. You can visit an Ethnic Museum here, shop and place one foot on the Northern Hemisphere and the other on the Southern Hemisphere. At this site don't miss the Solar Culture Museum, which displays the latest investigations about the real middle of the world. The Capital of Ecuador is a charming city that will welcome you any time of the year, with good weather, friendly people, delicious food and stunning landscapes. Ecuador Recommended Reading:Footprint Ecuador and Galapagos From the Galapagos Islands that inspired the theory of evolution, to a valley where people live forever, from the center of the earth to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ecuador excites and amazes at every turn. This highly acclaimed guide is essential for all free-spirited travelers. (One of the best books I ever read about Ecuador) Ecuador: Climbing and Hiking Guide
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