Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco
One of the oldest and largest colonial religious complexes in the Americas, its broad stone-paved square and white twin-towered church are classic images of the old town.
Construction of the San Francisco Monastery began in 1535. It is one of the oldest large colonial religious complexes in the Americas, covering about 3 hectares with 13 courtyards. The church interior is similarly decorated with gold Baroque ornament. The attached Franciscan Museum displays Quito School paintings and sculpture, and visitors can tour the cloisters and the choir loft (about USD 3 to 5). The San Francisco Square in front is the most open square in the old town, and at dusk the sunlight on the white twin towers and on Pichincha Mountain behind them makes a beautiful scene.
Opening hours
Church approx. 07:00–18:00; museum Mon–Sat 09:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Casa del Alabado Museum
- Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía)
- Centro Cultural Metropolitano
- Museo de la Ciudad
- Plaza Grande & Metropolitan Cathedral
- La Ronda
- Historic Center of Quito
- Santo Domingo Church & Plaza