Church of Saint Francis, Catholic church in Old Town, Quito, Ecuador.
The Church of Saint Francis is a Catholic place of worship in the colonial center of Quito, Ecuador, composed of several interconnected buildings. The complex includes a central courtyard, multiple cloisters, and additional chapels that form an extended religious ensemble.
Construction started in 1535 and marked the first religious project after the city was founded by Spanish colonizers. The original structure was damaged by earthquakes during the 17th century and subsequently rebuilt, with many decorative elements added during that period.
The name honors the founder of the Franciscan order, whose followers established the first religious community in the city. The facade displays carved stonework with geometric patterns following Spanish-Moorish tradition, setting it apart from other religious buildings in the old center.
The complex sits on a plaza in the historic quarter, reached by broad stone steps from the forecourt. Visitors can explore the main chapel and several cloisters, discovering courtyards with quieter areas away from the busiest square.
The ceiling shows sun faces with native features incorporated into Catholic angel representations. This blend of pre-Columbian and European symbols appears in multiple locations throughout the interior.
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