- Address: Guapulo, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador.
- Admission: free of charge;
- Beginning of construction: in 1649.
Numerous tourists are eager to Ecuador to see the amazing temple - the cathedral of Guapulo. Located almost in the center of Quito at the intersection of old, preserved since Columbus, roads, the church and monastery complex became a place of pilgrimage for all Catholics of the country. The Cathedral of Guapulo is built on a small site among the high green hills separating Quito from the Tumbaco Valley. The cathedral is surrounded by deep gorges and stands next to the road through which for many centuries a detachment of Francisco Pizarro went to find Amazon. Visiting it, you will admire the ancient colonial architecture and enjoy the excellent view that opens to the eastern Andes and the valley of the De los Chillos.
History of the Cathedral of Guapulo
The first building of the cathedral was built in 1596 and had a very modest appearance. After 50 years, in 1649 under the leadership of the holy father Antonio Rodriguez, the construction of the present building began. The facade was finished in the then neoclassical style, and the height of the completed large and impressive building together with the dome was as much as 58 m. The wooden cathedral of the cathedral was carved in 1716 and considered one of the most beautiful in the entire South American continent. In 1696, a drought struck Quito and its surroundings, destroying crops and bringing many disasters to the peasants and residents of the city. According to legend, desperate people prayed to heaven for prayer, and the sky heard them, revealing a rain cloud with the image of the Mother of God. Since then, she enjoys universal respect and respect.
The Cathedral of Guapulo and modern Quito
Today, the cathedral is considered a real treasure trove of the religious architecture of Quito. Its interior is decorated with wonderful paintings, works by artists Miguel Santiago and Nicolas Javier de Goribar. One of the main attractions of the cathedral, its shrine is the statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which was carved by Luis de Rivera and Diego de Robles. Opposite the cathedral there is a monument to Francisco de Orellana - the Spanish conquistador and traveler, the discoverer of the Amazon. In addition to the artistic and historical value of the place, many are attracted by wonderful views of the surrounding area.
How to get there?
The Cathedral of Guapulo is located near the Metropolitano Park, at some distance from the major thoroughfares. To quickly get to the temple, it is better to take a taxi, or drive to the street de Los Conquistadores and walk about 100 meters to the cathedral.
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