Monument sights in Quito
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El Panecillo
The small, ever-present hill to the south of the old town is called El Panecillo and is a major Quito landmark.
It is topped by a huge statue of La Virgen de Quito (Virgin of Quito), with a crown of stars, eagle's wings and a chained dragon atop the world.
From the summit, there are marvelous views of the whole city stretching out below, as well as of the surrounding volcanoes. The best time for volcano views (particularly in the rainy season) is early morning, before the clouds roll in. Definitely don't climb the stairs at the end of Calle García Moreno on the way to the statue - they're unsafe due to muggings. A taxi from the old town costs about around US$4, and you can…
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Basílica del Voto Nacional
High on a hill in the northeastern part of the old town stands the Gothic Basílica del Voto Nacional, built over several decades beginning in 1926. Rather than gargoyles, however, turtles and iguanas protrude from the church’s side. The highlight is the basilica’s towers, which you can climb if you have the nerve – the ascent requires crossing a rickety wooden plank inside the main roof and climbing steep stairs and ladders to the top. You can also climb the spiral staircase and three sets of ladders into and above the clock tower. There’s a patio café just outside the church and a snack bar on the tower’s 4th floor.
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Capilla de Cantuña
To the left of the Monastery of San Francisco stands the Capilla de Cantuña, which houses an excellent art collection from the Quito School. It's also shrouded in one of Quito's most famous legends, that of the indigenous builder Cantuña, who supposedly sold his soul to the devil so the devil would help him complete the church on time. But just before midnight of the day of his deadline, Cantuña removed a single stone from the structure, meaning the church was never completed. Thusly he tricked the devil and saved his soul.
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La Cima de la Libertad
Further up the flanks of Volcán Pichincha, one of the finest views of the city can be had from La Cima de la Libertad. This monument was built at the site of the Batalla de Pichincha (Battle of Pichincha), the decisive battle in the struggle for independence from Spain, which was led by Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre on May 24, 1822.
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Statue of Francisco de Orellana
The statue of Francisco de Orellana near González Suárez depicts Francisco de Orellana looking down into the valley, marking the beginning of his epic journey from Quito to the Atlantic – the first descent of the Amazon by a European.
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Arco de la Reina
Further south, the Arco de la Reina, a massive arch built in the 18th century to give shelter to churchgoers, spans García Moreno.
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