Apart from the fog and overcast sky Quito looks fairly dry this morning after the previous rainy day This morning we were collected by our local guide for a tour around the main sites of the cityOur first stop is to the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional which is the largest Neo-Gothic Basilica in the Americas
The unusual gargoyles on the exterior of the church depict animals such as armadillos, iguanas, and Galapagos turtles which are native to EcuadorThe view down the nave to the sanctuaryHeading towards the city centre we spot a large mural on the side of a building which are not uncommon in QuitoOn one corner of the main city square is situated the church, Iglesia de la Merced which was begun by priests of the Merced order in the 16th century, as a basilica. Unfortunately it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1660 and not rebuilt until 1701There is quite a large police presence in the main square today …. the monument pictured in the centre of Plaza Grande is dedicated to the Independence Heroes of August 10, 1809, the date remembered as the first cry of independence At the top of the monument is the Andean vulture, the largest flying bird on the planet and at the foot of the monument is a lion, the symbol of England, which appears to be retreating Apparently there is a demonstration organised today which will march through the main square
Through the zoom lens a large statue of the Virgin of Quito can be seen high above the city La Compania de Jesus is the most impressive church in the country’s capital
Next we visit Plaza de San Francisco The 16th century Church and Monastery of St. Francis dominates the Plaza and takes up many hectares of land in the areaThe ornate interior of the San Francisco ChurchThe beautiful courtyard of the monasteryOn one side of the plaza is the exclusive boutique hotel called Casa Gangotena
After visiting several of the sites in the centre of Quito, we head towards the hill known as El Panecillo which overlooks the city We arrive at El Panecillo where the 45 m high statue of the Virgin of Quito stands overlooking the cityFantastic views of the city from El PanecilloAfter our few hours of sightseeing we head back to the hotelIn the evening we have a pre dinner drink in the hotel barIt was delightful listening to the hotel pianist playing some popular melodiesWe decide to try a Chinese restaurant in the hotel called Restaurante Casa ChinaRic chooses a delightful red to accompany our food
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