Religious site
Church of La Compañía, Quito
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The Church of La Compañía is a Catholic complex in Quito's Historic Center, known for its façade carved entirely from volcanic stone and interiors covered in gold sheets. It is a major tourist attraction and has been called the 'Temple of Solomon of South America' and a 'Golden Ember.'
Don't miss
- Façade carved entirely from gray volcanic andesite stone
- Interior completely covered with gold sheets
- Dome over the transept, 27.6m high, with paintings and medallions of archangels
- Twin altarpieces of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier
- Side chapels with domes and delicate Baroque altarpieces
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Church of La Compañía, Quito
You can visit Church of La Compañía, Quito on your own. A guide is worth it for the history and detail that is easy to walk past, and a tour can combine it with nearby sights.
Cheapest way inQuito Old Town Free Walking tour Small group English guide Cacao5★ · 61 travelers2-3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →
Best full dayCotopaxi Full-Day from Quito Including Entrances4.9★ · 1,491 travelers~12 hoursFree cancellationFrom$59 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleLet me show you Quito! Complete Private City Tour5★ · 54 travelers8-10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$77 per personSee dates →Getting there
Know before you go
- Located on the corner of calles García Moreno and Sucre in Quito's Historic Center.
- The church is part of a complex that includes the Jesuit residence and formerly housed a university and college.
A bit of history
The Jesuits arrived in Quito in 1586 and acquired land for the church, which was built over 160 years. The church was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1985 and Pope Francis in 2015.
Common questions
What styles of architecture are in the church?
The church blends Baroque, Mudéjar, Churrigueresque, and Neoclassical styles, with Baroque predominating.
How long did construction take?
Construction spanned over 160 years, from 1597 to 1765.
What is the church's plan like?
It has a Latin cross plan inscribed in a rectangle, with a central nave and two side naves, similar to the Church of the Gesù in Rome.
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