On the western side of the vast cobble-stoned Plaza San Francisco rises the monumental outline of Quito's oldest church and monastery, San Francisco. Only weeks after the founding of the future city in 1534, construction of this grand church began, taking 70 years to complete. A truly imposing temple, its symmetrical facade fills the skyline, its white washed walls dominated by its twin bell towers and its beautifully stone-carved portal, the majestic doorway to an immense religious complex.

Hidden behind this awesome façade lies one of the continent’s great masterpieces of baroque art. The light casts cubes through the stained-glass windows, bringing to life the gold-leaf coffered ceiling and the richly carved interiors.
The large Franciscan complex also includes one of the city’s best collections of religious art. The entrance to the Fray Pedro Gocial museum lies just to the right of the church’s main doors.

The church is open every day from 6 am to 9 pm, although visitors are asked to enter when masses aren’t being held.
Price: Free
Address: Plaza San Francisco, Old Town.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-1pm.
Price:  $2 adults, concessions available.
Visits are by guided tour only, which leave on an as-needed basis, and can be in English.
Website: http://museofranciscanoquito.com