Bicentennial places

To celebrate summer here in Quito, we have designed a new tour for visitors to explore the buildings and sights related to the struggle for Independence that took place in the Ecuadorian capital at the beginning of the 19th century.

Explore the buildings and sights related to the Ecuadorian independence. In 2009 we celebrated the Bicentennial First Cry for Independence, conducted by a group of patriots on August 10th, 1809. This event marked the beginning of a process that would conclude years later… Follow the steps of history through a visit to the beautiful heritage buildings, and didactic exhibition that allows us to understand and celebrate our path to freedom

Enjoy the tour!

View a walking route on our digital map here

1. Palacio Presidencial

The Palacio Presidencial, also called Palacio de Carondelet, is located in the city`s Historic Centre, just in front of the Plaza de la Independencia. This place is the seat of government and official residence of the President. This Palace store objects and documents that are part of the history of our country. During your tour you can visit the main halls, the hall of former presidents and a collection of gifts including works of the Colombian painter Fernando Botero, sculpture, typical clothing, saddles and looms.

Changing of the Guard

Every Monday at eleven o'clock it takes place the Changing of the Guard at the Plaza de la Independencia. To this event assists the President of the Republic and / or other authorities, schools and colleges students are special guests and all who want to participate in this civic event. The parade is made by the presidential guard, known as the Granaderos de Tarqui in honor of an outstanding squad of soldiers that accompanied the Marshal Antonio José de Sucre in the fight for freedom. The event involved around 50 soldiers leaving the Presidential Palace and going down to the Plaza Grande to honor the heroes of independence, whose monument is at the center of this square.

It's exciting to know the patriotic fervor of those who participate in this event. ¡Its worth to be part of this civic celebration!

2. Centro Cultural Metropolitano, Museo de Cera

This museum, which is part of the Centro Cultural Metropolitano, has an invaluable sample of wax figures that recreate significant episodes of the history of Quito, like what happened on August 2nd, 1810, when a group of patriots tried to free their comrades that were detained during the episode of August 10th 1809. Most of this wax figures were made in Paris by the French artist Alexander Barbieri and some other were made in Quito by important Ecuadorian artists.

3. Centro de Arte Contemporáneo

This cultural space opened its doors just two years ago in the in the building of the former Military Hospital, in San Juan neighborhood. This Bicentennial Contemporary Art Center exposes “The Quito Revolution”, an exhibition that which relates in a very didactic way, the events of the “First Cry of Independence” of August 10th, 1809.

4.Museo Templo de la Patria

This place is also known as “Cima de la Libertad” (Freedom Summit). Is commemorates the Pichincha Battle of May 24th, 19822, that ended the Spanish domination. Inside the Cima de la Libertad, rises an obelisk in honor to the soldiers and prominent figures who were involved in liberating Ecuador and the Americas, like Antonio José de Sucre and Simón Bolívar. It also holds the Museo Templo de la Patria (Homeland Museum and Temple), where there are various murals depicting the events and figures that were crucial for securing freedom in the Americas.

View a walking route on our digital map here