Iglesia de San Francisco, Cuenca, Colonial church in historic center of Cuenca, Ecuador

The Iglesia de San Francisco is a Catholic church on Padre Aguirre and Presidente Córdova in Cuenca's historic centre. Its white facade has orange and reddish trim, a balustrade along the roofline, and a tall bell tower on the left with a clock face, arched openings, circular windows, and a domed top crowned by a cross. Inside, three naves are separated by wooden columns, with the main altar and pulpit covered in gold leaf.

Construction started in 1582 when the Franciscan order received land from the governor. The building took more than 200 years to complete, reflecting the slow pace of colonial construction.

The name honours the "Señor de San Francisco", to whom the Franciscans dedicated the temple. Devotion still centres on the Jubileo, the Dolorosa, the Señor de Nazareth (Churoncito) and San Francisco, feast days when people come to participate with faith. The adjoining plazoleta hosts social and cultural events for the city.

The church sits at a busy corner in Cuenca's center with plazas and market activity nearby. Visitors should expect soft lighting inside and can move at their own pace to explore all the altars and side chapels.

The slender tower rising from the facade holds a bell and a clock encircled by phrases of faith written in Latin. The main altar and the original pulpit are covered in fine carvings sheathed in gold leaf, dating from colonial times.