Quito commemorates 42 years as a World Heritage Site
The Ecuadorian capital includes 70.43 hectares of Historic Center. Undoubtedly one of the jewels that nobody can miss
The architectural and artistic treasures hoarded in the Historic Center allowed Quito to be part of the first publication of the UNESCO World Heritage List on September 8, 1978.
"Quito is a harmonious sui generis set where the actions of humanity and nature converge to create a unique and transcendent work" is the official summary of the justification of the Unesco evaluating committee for naming the city as a World Heritage Site, which includes 70.43 hectares of Historic Center, together with a perimeter area of 375.25 more hectares.
Without a doubt, the privileged location in the Center of the World makes the city a space for historical encounters. It is from the syncretism of Spanish and indigenous culture that expressions are born that marked Latin American and world art, with movements such as the Quiteña School, and precisely the Historic Center is an area that attests (to date) the history of that cultural development and architectural.
This city landmark preserves the largest colonial enclave in South America, a sanctuary for the exceptional Baroque artistic legacy. The fascinating collection of sculptures, canvases, altarpieces, sacristies, pulpits and choirs that adorn its churches, covered with gold leaf and details, that amaze the visitor, regardless of their spirituality.
In the narrow streets of the Historic Center and escorted by powerful Andean mountains and volcanoes at 2,800 m above sea level, there are 32 museums, 24 churches, 6 chapels, 7 convents, 6 monasteries, 13 squares, more places of interest, in addition of local artisans, traditional recipes and food markets, which make it a living work of art that recounts the cultural syncretism of South America and Europe.
The municipal commitment to preserve and give the Historic Center the care that this living treasure of humanity deserves, is evidenced in all the actions that have been undertaken and implemented with the restart of conservation and restoration work in churches and chapels.