The stage of a very famous love story!
Metropolitan Institute of Cultural Heritage
Why locals love it
The current Eclectic building was built by the Pérez Pallares family in 1914 with the famous Italian architect Antonino Russo. This was a hotel and a foundation but in 1822 it was the mansion of the Larrea family, place where the Liberator Simon Bolivar met the Quitenian Manuela Sáenz and this episode was the origin of the most famous love story!
Why you should visit it
The facade is stunning and was totally restored in 1990. The headquarters of the Metropolitan Institute of Cultural Heritage are functioning here. This is the institution in charge of conservation of the historical patrimony of Quito. Even it is not possible to get in, this is one of the nicest buildings surrounding the Plaza Grande.
Special tip
It is said that Manuela Sáenz was in the balcony when Bolivar passed on his white horse during the reception to the Generals of the Independence.