FABBY: Quito-Ecuador Tour

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is nestled in an Andean valley at an elevation of 9000 feet. The city is literally surrounded by volcanoes -- some of these, like Mt. Pichincha, very much active. Quito is considered to be one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. The historic center of Quito, known as the "Old City" is replete with narrow and winding cobblestone streets, magnificent churches and open squares. The buildings that line the streets reflect Spanish colonial influence with their balconies, red-tile roofs, thick columns and central patios. The importance of the colonial remnants found in the Old City prompted UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) to declare Quito a Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1979.

Old TownThe Old City of Quito lies over the ruins of the pre-Incan city of Kitu, principle city of the Shyris (12th Century). Kitu was later replaced by the capital of Atahualpa's Incan empire (16th century). The city was razed by the Incan general Rumiñahui as a measure of resistance against the conquering Spanish. The city was founded as San Francisco de Quito on December 6th, 1534 by the Spanish conquistadors.

I'm joining today at Alma's great Party at,  "Oh the Places I've Been"!  The Tablescaper.



 

 A gorgeous pink Spanish home. These big homes usually belonged to people sent from the King  for  government jobs and they were also huge because they had at least 12 children, if not more!

This is the Bolivar Theater, it still functions.

I love this gorgeous white house.  Look at the beautiful door frame!

Another beautiful pink house.

My hubby and our friend, which was our tour guide.

A row of  beautiful iron balconies and houses.

A typical Spanish iron window with flowers.

The Carondeleg, the government Palace.

The Compañia de Jesus Church. there's fabulous churches and cathedrals here, with the inside of them full of  gold...unfortunately they don't let you take photographs.

The Government Palace of Carondelet

I love this gorgeous yellow house with such incredible ornamentation, like the full length white angel statues.

A row of pretty town houses and the cobblestone streets and plazas.

This is a stunning house that it's almost finished being renovated for a hotel.  The house belonged to a family for 200 years, so it'll be called after them: Casa Gangotena.

The inside of a house, most of them had this very Spanish patios. After this patio you see here, most of them had a big garden right in back; with flowers, fruit trees and even a vegetable garden next to the other two, usually for the families use, as they were so many, thus the huge homes.

The side walk around the patios were paved by small river stones, like you see here.

A door with a Christ.

I had to take a pic of this door knocker in the shape of an iron hand

The incredible view from my daughter's apartment window.  The panorama is so much wider than the photo.

One of the biggest not active volcanoes in the world called Chimborazo.  Snow is all year round.  You can see part of it from my daughter's panoramic window from her high rise.

Historic Quito is the oldest and best preserved colonial sector in South America. The famous Escuela de Arte de Quito flourished in the old city and is well known for its unique baroque style. This style is reflected in the rich and profuse decorations of the interiors of many of the Quito's churches. These European influences were combined with the inspiration of indigenous art to create a unique Quiteño style. For its artwork, Quito has been termed the "Florence of America."

With that being said. hope you like the photos I took the other day while visiting our daughter Alexandra.....mind you, I'm not a professional photographer like our daughter Alexandra, and  the old city is so much better in person.
   

Thank you so much for reading about it and for your  wonderful visits.
I will be linking to the following great parties.  Thank you so much  to the lovely ladies that host them every week.

I'm reposting this tour of Quito-Ecuador for, "Oh, the Places I've Been"!   http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com



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