The house of the Patron Saint of Ecuador
Sanctuary of Our Lady of El Quinche
Why locals love it
Our Lady of El Quinche is one of the two patron saints of Ecuador revered by millions of Ecuadorians inside and abroad. Every November there is a huge pilgrimage from Quito to this sanctuary where thousands of people celebrate a "fiesta" with a holy mass and fireworks.
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Why you should visit it
The origin of this devotion dates back 1586 when Spanish sculptor Diego de Robles carved the statue of Our Lady of Guápulo por the Indians of the town of Oyacachi. In 1600s they moved the image to a new sanctuary in El Quinche. The current church was rebuilt in 1905. It is an impressive example of Religious monumental architecture.
Special tip
Take a picture of the vault of the central nave and check the astonishing dome!
Sanctuary of Our Lady of El Quinche
El Quinche