Historical 1

The historic center of Quito was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. And for good reason, it is gorgeous and is the most well preserved historic city in Latin America. This Basilica however is not quite in the historic center, rather it is just a little north, and a little newer than the colonial period.

Located on one of the many hill tops, that was originally the spot of an Incan place of worship, this grand Neo-Gothic church, the largest in the Americas, was originally commissioned in 1883  , blessed by Pope Paul John II in 1985  , and consecrated and inaugurated in 1988. However the church remains, technically, unfinished. Why? There is a legend that when the church is done, it will spell the end for the country and then the world. The evidence? One worker told us that on the sides of the church they were placing the seals of all the Latin American countries, but when they tried putting in the last one, an earthquake struck the city, so they stopped. Months after and they attempted it again, another earthquake struck and the idea to finish putting in the final touches was promptly forgotten. And indeed as you explore the cathedral you will find unfinished parts here and there.

So I know many of you are reading this and wondering it's a church so what?  Well let me assure you, that if you are ever in Quito, this is a must see destinations. For reals, I am the history loving part of the couple, but even David, who's take on architecture is modern is best, was blown away with this cathedral that we ended up coming here twice! Continue Reading