Plaza & Monastery of San Francisco
Plaza & Monastery of San Francisco
Plaza & Monastery of San Francisco (Calle Cuenca e/Sucre, Quito) – this is one of the oldest Spanish colonial era structures in Quito (the monastery was founded by Franciscan missionary Joedco Ricke). It’s surprising to hear that this plaza was built over an Inca temple. The monastery is worth a visit and here you will find yourself surrounded by intricate golden designs of angels with a sun-shaped face. There is also plenty of beautiful artwork inside the building that dates back to the 16th century (as part of the Museo Fray Pedro Gocial). It is said that, since the indigenous peoples once worshipped a sun god, that Christian imagery of the sun was used to help convert these individuals to the Catholic faith. Like other structures in Quito, the Monastery also went through periods of renovations due to damage from previous earthquakes (explaining the various architecture influences seen there). Admission (Museo Fray only): $2.00 (adult), $1.00 (children). Hours: 7:00 am – 11:00 am daily; 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Monday- Thursday).