Plaza Grande & Metropolitan Cathedral
Plaza de la Independencia
The heart of Quito's Old Town. The square is surrounded by the Cathedral, the Carondelet Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, and City Hall, with the Independence Monument at its centre.
In the centre of Plaza Grande stands a monument commemorating the heroes of the 1809 'First Cry of Independence.' The cathedral on the south side, begun in the 16th century, holds the remains of independence hero Antonio José de Sucre, and visitors can climb to the roof for about USD 3. On the west side, the Carondelet Palace, the presidential palace, offers free guided tours (bring your passport; registration is required on site or online). On the north side, the Archbishop's Palace has been converted into a courtyard restaurant and shops. A presidential guard changing ceremony takes place on Monday mornings. The square and its surroundings are safe during the day, but keep an eye on your belongings at night.
Opening hours
Square open all day; Presidential Palace tours approx. Tue–Sun 09:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Historic Center of Quito
- Centro Cultural Metropolitano
- Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía)
- Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
- Casa del Alabado Museum
- Museo de la Ciudad
- Santo Domingo Church & Plaza
- La Ronda