Spanish Colonial Churches of Quito

The colonial church of The Compania of Jesus for example has been catalogued by UNESCO among the hundred most important World Heritage Site Monuments in the world.

After an integral restoration of this church, which took 12 years at a cost of 4.5 million dollars, the Compania of Jesus colonial church was reopened to the public the second week of December 2005, and can now be viewed in its entire splendor.

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The building of the Spanish colonial churches of Quito started in the 16th and 17th century, the Compania de Jesus church started in 1605 and was finished in 1650.

The restoration in the 20 th century was both structural and artistic, in its 4500 square meters.

Its interior, entirely gilded, shines like a jewel and its paintings, sculptures, altars, cupola and pulpit have been carefully illuminated so that all details can be appreciated.

There are 44 paintings and 56 sculptures from the colonial Quito's School of Art in this church.

Among the most important paintings are those of the 16 Prophets by Nicolas Gorivar in the central columns and the large ones depicting the Final Judgment and Hell at each side of the entrance.

This colonial church is a magnificent example of the extraordinary artistic ability of the Ecuadorian artisans.

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With profusely carved altars covered with gold leaf, and the sculptures by Legarda of the Holy Trinity in the main altar and Saint Ignacio and Saint Francis in the side altars.

The Compania of Jesus is the best sample of the American Baroque, one of the richest and most extraordinary Spanish colonial churches of South America.

Other Colonial Churches You Can Visit in Quito:

• Church of San Francisco
• Church of San Agustin
• Church of Santo Domingo
• Church of El Sagrario
• Church of La Basilica
• Church of El Belen

If you ever visit Quito in Ecuador don't miss visiting the Spanish colonial churches mentioned above which by the way are included in the Scenic Tours of most travel companies daily.

And also while you are in Quito you can visit and explore the Galapagos Islands (which are only 2 hours away by plane) on board one of our recommended Galapagos Island Cruises

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