The Church of the Society of Jesus (La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús) is an elaborate spiritual home in the Old Town district of Quito. The interior of the church is ornate with gold leaf and its façade is constructed out of volcanic stone. The Spanish initially used the impressive structure’s lavish décor and religious symbolism to lure indigenous peoples to convert to Christianity.
The impressive church, which was completed in 1765, is generally accepted as the most attractive Baroque structure in Ecuador. Gaze up at the vast façade, which was carved from andesite, a type of Ecuadorian volcanic stone. Note how its Baroque style takes after St. Peter’s Basilica of Vatican City. See the symbols of the sun dotted around the entrance and on the ceiling. The Spanish settlers took advantage of the importance of the sun in Incan traditions to entice them to their church.
As you enter the church, relish the warm glow that radiates from the large central nave. Admire its ornate fixtures covered in golf leaf, woodcarvings and gilded plaster. Notice the geometric Mudéjar (Moorish) patterns on the gold altars and gilded columns. The light from the sun and candles deepens the golden glow as you approach the nave. Browse the hundreds of painting and sculptures in the church. Gaze up at the 26-metre (85-foot) high barrel vault constructed from pumice and brick.
Visit the church to marvel at its extravagance or even attend a concert with excellent acoustics. Explore the catacombs to celebrate the Dia de los Difuntos (Day of the Dead) on November 1 annually.
The Church of the Society of Jesus opens every day to the public with limited viewings on Sundays. There is a small entrance fee and guided tours in English are available for purchase. You can find the religious structure in the Old Town of Quito, near to Independence Square. You can get there by trolleybus, on foot or by car, as paid parking is available nearby.
