La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (Church of the Society of Jesus) is a spectacularly ornate Jesuit church in Quito Old Town. The church is constructed out of volcanic stone and lavishly decorated with gold leaf. Visit it to see the ornate details and religious symbolism used by the Spanish to encourage local indigenous people to the faith.
The church is widely regarded to be Ecuador’s most beautiful Baroque monument and was completed in 1765 after 160 years of construction. Admire the enormous Baroque façade carved from andesite, Ecuadorian volcanic stone. The church's 18th-century Baroque styling is reminiscent of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Note the entryway and ceiling, which depict symbols of the sun. The sun was an important icon for the indigenous Inca people, and the Spanish believed that this decorative imagery would bring more indigenous people to the religion.
Walk into the church’s interior, which is illuminated by a warm glow radiating from the large central nave. Marvel at the nave’s lavishly decorated altar and pillars, highlighted by gold leaf, gilded plaster and woodcarvings. Admire the gold altars and gilded columns and their geometric Mudéjar (Moorish) patterns. As you walk toward the nave, the sunlight and candlelight intensify the gold glow. Look up from the nave to the 85-foot (25.9-metre) high barrel vault made of pumice and brick, and see more than a hundred different paintings and sculptures.
Visit La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús to marvel at its sumptuousness or to attend a concert. On November 1, you can explore the catacombs to celebrate Dia de los Difuntos (Day of the Dead). The church is open daily, with limited opening hours on Sundays. The small admission cost includes entry to the church. Guided tours in Spanish or English are available for an extra fee. The church is located in Quito Old Town, near Independence Square. The area is accessible by trolleybus. Metered parking can be found on the adjacent streets.
