Santo Domingo Plaza (Plaza de Santa Domingo)
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Church / Cathedral,
Plaza / Square
Santa Domingo Plaza graces the southern edge of Quito’s Old Town and is easily missed by visitors. It’s an airy plaza, dominated by the imposing Santo Domingo Cathedral on its southeastern side. In the center of the square a statue of hero Antonio José de Sucre points towards Pichincha Volcano where he won the battle for Ecuador’s independence in 1822.
The Santo Domingo Cathedral dates back to 1581 and houses an impressive statue of the Virgen del Rosario in an ornately carved baroque-style chapel. If you visit the plaza at night, the cathedral’s domes look beautiful floodlit.
The Plaza comes alive on weekends when neighboring Quiteños converge on the square to watch the various acrobats, jugglers and magicians go through their routines.
Latest Reviews
Review by Thera B, April 2013
Doing what: Half Day Quito City Tour
The tour guide was very informative and was smiling all the time! She had a great energy about her country that she never hesitated in answering all our questions. We highly recommend this tour to anyone who would only have a short time in Quito.
In the evening, we recommend you to have dinner in Lua Restaurant, it blew us away! The reviews about this restaurant lived up to our expectations and more! When you get there, please say hi to Chef Alexander for us!
Review by Scott S, February 2013
Doing what: Half Day Quito City Tour
Guide and driver were great. Our guide took amazing care of us all.
Review by Jennifer O, February 2013
Doing what: Half Day Quito City Tour
This tour was very informational. Esteban was a great guide and took great care of me (I was the only English speaker on the tour). The group was small and personal. I would recommend for anyone who wants to know more about Quito.
Practical Info
If you plan an evening visit to Santa Domingo Plaza, it is best to go as part of a group, or arrange for a taxi there and back, so you are not a target for would-be muggers.
Santa Domingo Plaza is near the southwest end of Calle Guayaquil in Quito's Old Town.
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