San Francisco Plaza is a quaint square with a grandiose church in the heart of Quito’s Old Town. Many travellers take a short break in this animated plaza on their way to visit the San Francisco Church and Monastery. Learn about the history and culture of the district while sitting in an open-air bistro or café. In the distance you can see unobstructed views of El Panecillo and the Quito Madonna sculpture.
The charming square, along with the church and monastery, dates back to the 1500s. The early inhabitants of the city initially used the area as a marketplace, water source and gathering point. The colonial Franciscans would meet Indigenous peoples to trade goods in this commercial area. Take a leisurely walk through the square to appreciate its rich history. Note how the plaza is at a slight incline since the San Francisco Church was built atop the site of an ancient Incan temple.
Enjoy a refreshing break at one of the al fresco bistros in the plaza. Sip a coffee or try a local delicacy, known as a canelazo, which is a hot drink with spiced rum. Watch the people walking by during busy lunch hours and on weekends. Listen to traditional music and watch dances by street performers.
Watch the sun setting behind the San Francisco Church and the Pichincha Volcano on the horizon. Find out about the square’s intriguing past at the visitor information centre.
San Francisco Plaza can be found right in front of the San Francisco Church in the historic centre of Quito. It is free and always open to the public.
