One of the largest architectural complexes in South America – San Francisco Convent, Ecuador

There are many things to do and places to see in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The Old Town is on UNESCO's World Heritage list, and loaded with architectural treasures, colonial monuments, gorgeous churches, plazas etc. The city is located at 2,850 m.a.s.l., squeezed between mountain peaks. On a clear day they make a wonderful backdrop to the city. If time in Quito is limited, one of the places that is worth a visit is definitly Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco. It is located right in the midle of the historic center. I have red somewhere that architecturally it is one of the largest complexes within any of the historic centers all over the South American continent. This impressive Catholic basilica and convent is located at a wide open plaza. When entering from one of the narrow streets I was impressed with the sight of the plaza and the church that dates back to 1535. There were something going on in the basilica, so unfortunatly could not take in photos in the church. Only the convent.

The plaza is a huge. For many years the fountain in the center suplied the city with water. The plaza allso functioned a meetiong place for social interaction and a market place where people could sell their croceries.In colonial America, the staircase that leading to the atrium is considered an important arctictural element. I think it actually highligts the Baroque facade. I entered the plaza from the opposite side, so the staircase was easily noticed.

The main courtyard

The convent is open for visitors. Today it functions as a museum. After paying the entrance ticket we found ourselves at the main courtyard. Between 1573 and 1581 this courtyard was build. Beautiful arches with Doric columns. There were only a few other visitors. The whole atmosphere is quiet and peaceful. We started to walk through the corridors and from room to room with exhibited models, sculptures, paintings etc. There were some areas that were closed to the public.
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the palace of the Inca ruler Huayna Cápac was located on this very site. Quito was founded in 1534 and construction of the basilica and monastery began shortly after. However, it took almost 70 years before it was ready for consecration.

When we enter the first corridor we passed these two different models. They both give an idea of life around the convent and the plaza in the colonial era.

The garden

While walking through the corridoors it seemd that they, in addition to smaller rooms, creates a microcosm that was self-sufficient. There are garden areas, kitchen and even a small jail. The discipline was very strict, so to maintain that, it seemed that it was necessary with a jail! I have never known that monasteries have jails before... But, I have read that the strict discipline was common in Medieval monasteries.

The main courtyard

Some areas were closed to the public, so we returned to the main courtyard to sit on a bench and simply enjoy the place. The whole complex is huge. I read it covers approximately 40,000 square meters! It was very quiet, but the convent does carry out some religious activities. There are also more going on in order to keep the building a place usefull. That is a good way of preserving this architectural gem in the historical town.