Church and Convent of San Francisco

Built atop the ruins of an Inca palace starting in 1537, the Church and Convent of San Francisco stands as a monumental symbol of Catholic evangelization in the Andes. Its blend of Renaissance, Mudejar, and Baroque elements reflects centuries of cultural layering. The vast plaza before it hosted both religious processions and indigenous markets, embodying the dual legacy of conquest and devotion in colonial Quito.