Museo
de la Ciudad
The museum traces the history
of the city from pre-Hispanic times through the colonial era and
the beginning of the 20th century. Its set in the old Hospital
San Juan de Dios, founded by the order of King Philip in 1565.
The collection, which is very well presented, includes Inca burials,
photographs, clothing, and religious and scientific artifacts.
Please
note that additional info (prices, activities, etc) are found
to the right of this pages. 
EI Panecillo
South of the Plaza de San Francisco
lies Cerro Panecillo, a 180 meter hill topped by a statue of the
Virgin of Quito. The views from the top of the Panecillo are breathtaking.
Casa de Benalcázar
Colonial art and fumiture fills
this house, Olmedo 962 and Benalcázar, tel. 2/215-838,
which was constructed the year of Quito's refounding. Classical
music performances are occasionally held here. Irs open Mon.-Fri.;
call for specific times.
Basilica de Voto Popular
An alternative for a good view
of the city is to head north up Venezuela to the Basilica, Quito's
most impressive church from afar. Even though construction began
in 1992, it's still not finished. Tours are given from 9 A.M.-5:30
P.M. ($1.50 pp), starting with the interior and moving on to the
115-meter Condor Tower, with views easily comparable to those
from EI Panecillo. (Notice the "gargoyles" are actually
a menagerie of local animals, including armadillos.) You can buy
a pass to the upper floors and, if you're feeling bold, even climb
the bell tower. Although it's not part of the tour, if you have
the chance, step up to the altar to see the Virgin of Quito atop
EI Panecillo framed in a heart-shaped glass window.
La Ronda
One of the best-preserved colonial
streets in Old Town, also called Calle Juan de Dros Morales, La
Ronda is nicknamed for the evening serenades (rondas)
that once floated through its winding path. Old balconies almost
touch over the narrow lane, lined with a few shops and budget
hotels toward the end. It's reached most easily via Guayaquil,
sloping down from the Plaza Santo Domingo. |
