The Society of Jesus
The Society of Jesus (Calle García Moreno y Sucre, Quito), completed in 1765, this is the most ornate church in Ecuador, considered one of the most significant works of Spanish Baroque architecture in South America. Moorish influences are evident in the interior of the church. At the base of the central altar you can find a sarcophagus with the remains of the patron saint of Ecuador (Mariana de Jesís de Paredes). Due to the earthquakes in Quito, this church suffered severe damage to the structure over the years. The original tower was destroyed by an earthquake in 1859 (rebuilt in 1865), but it still needs to be destroyed again in 1868 (never rebuilt). Another earthquake in 1987 caused rounds of reconstruction between that year and 2005. Admission: $2.00 Hours: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (weekdays), 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Saturday), 12:30 pm – 4:15 pm (Sunday).