San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco)

The San Francisco Church, Quito’s first, began its Baroque-style construction in the 1530s, shortly after the arrival of the Spaniards, and took over a century to complete. Despite enduring numerous earthquakes, the church remains in remarkably good condition and stands as the largest and one of the most visually striking of the city’s original colonial structures. Today, visitors can explore this historic site, where Franciscan fathers continue to live and work, offering a glimpse into the enduring legacy of Quito’s colonial past.