Cathedral

On the plaza’s southwest side stands Quito’s cathedral. Although not the most ornate of the old town’s churches, its interior has some fascinating religious works from artists of the Quito School. Don’t miss the painting of the Last Supper, with Christ and disciples feasting on cuy (roast guinea pig), chicha (a fermented corn drink) and humitas (similar to tamales). The Nativity painting includes a llama and a horse peering over the newborn Jesus. You’ll also see the ornate tomb of Mariscal Sucre, the leading figure of Quito’s independence. Behind the main altar is a plaque showing where President Gabriel García Moreno died on August 6, 1875. He was slashed with a machete outside the Palacio del Gobierno and was carried, dying, to the cathedral. Admission includes a free guided tour in Spanish.