Quito Metropolitan Cathedral Church

Address: Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande), Quito, Ecuador

The Quito Metropolitan Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic cathedral of Quito, Ecuador, and serves as the seat of the Archbishop. It stands on the eastern side of the Plaza de la Independencia in Quito’s colonial-era historic centre.

The cathedral’s origins date to the early colonial period in the 16th century and the building contains multiple chapels and liturgical spaces characteristic of an urban cathedral. It functions as a centre of religious ceremony and diocesan administration for the city.

Architectural elements visible today reflect construction and modification across several centuries of colonial and republican Quito, and the cathedral forms one of the main landmarks on the central square.

The building is located in central Quito within the city’s UNESCO-listed historic district, directly facing the main plaza and surrounded by government buildings and other colonial-era churches.

• Civic and religious role: Located on Quito’s principal civic square, the cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic archdiocese and forms part of the historic centre designated a UNESCO World Heritage area.

The cathedral sits on the northeast side of Plaza de la Independencia in Quito’s Centro Histórico. From La Mariscal take Av. Patria or the Metrobus to the El Ejido/La Alameda corridor, then a short taxi or a 20-30 minute uphill walk to the square. The area is compact; most central museums and churches are within a few blocks on foot.

• Enter from Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande) early morning to see the carved choir stalls and the cathedral façade in soft light before tour groups arrive.
• Masses are public; if wanting to photograph the interior without flash, check service times and sit quietly at the back.
• Combine a visit with the nearby Archbishop's Palace and the Museo de la Ciudad for context on Quito's colonial era.