Sicalpa Viejo, Colonial archaeological site in Colta, Ecuador
Sicalpa Viejo is a ruins site with remains of civil structures and religious buildings in the Colta region. The main structure is a large church with a stone facade and chambers beneath it that form an underground burial area.
Spanish settlers founded this location as part of early Riobamba in the 1600s. A major earthquake in 1797 destroyed the city and forced residents to leave, abandoning the structures as ruins.
The basilica is connected to devotion toward the Virgin of the Snows, a central figure in local spiritual practice. The architecture and rituals here reflect the blend of Spanish and indigenous religious traditions.
The site is best visited during daylight hours and can be reached by private vehicle from Riobamba or by bus to Colta. A walk through fields leads to the ruins, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
The underground niches beneath the church hold fossil remains from colonial burials, with some preserved in glass cases. These chambers show how Europeans and local people were buried together in this location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
