In the Mitad del Mundo lies down the Monument in honor of the French Geodesic Mission that appointed Ecuador as the middle of the world. There are incredible tours in which you can discover Quito's History.

Everyday of the year you have the opportunity to make tours to the Historic Center in the mornings, afternoons and even in the nights, were it will be perfect a ride in a carriage through the beautiful tight streets. The Historic Center is a marvelous place in which you will discover that history is froze in the temples and in its façades.

Quito's downtown has always been a place for commerce; this has kept it with live. Every house of the center is inhabited and there are plenty of shops.

Mountains, volcanoes and hills surround Quito; in the downtown you will appreciate wonderful landscapes and views. This is the perfect opportunity to take wonderful pictures.

Churches and Convents
Quito's greatest treasures are its temples and convents, real samples of the mixture of Spanish and Indian culture. Here you will find a bit of information of each one:

Basílica del Voto Nacional
It is considered one of the most important pieces of the New-gothic architecture in Ecuador. It is located in the downtown, in the streets Carchi and Venezuela, next to the Convent of the Oblato's order.
It was built to recall the consecration of the Ecuadorian state to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, during the presidency of Gabriel Garcia Moreno in 1873. It has 115 meters of height and it is conformed by 24 internal chapels that represent the provinces of the country. This sanctuary was inaugurated and blessed by the Pope Juan Pablo II in its visit to Ecuador the 18 of January of 1985.

Its structure and style is compared with two of the great cathedrals worldwide: Saint Patrick's Cathedral, New York, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris. The Basilica del Voto Nacional is distinguished for the substitution of the classic gargoyles by reptiles and native amphibians of Ecuador.
The central body of the temple has 140 meters in length, 35m of wide and 30m of height; where 14 bronze images represent the 11 apostles and 3 evangelists.

Schedule:
Monday to Friday: 7h00 - 9h00 / 18h00 - 19h00
Fees: foreigners $2.oo, Ecuadorians: $1.oo, children and seniors $0.50
Religious Services - Mass:
Monday to Friday 7h00, 8h00, 18h30
Saturdays: 7h00 and 10h00
Sundays: 7h00 and 12h00