Church of Guápulo - white and green concrete church
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Church of Guápulo

4.7
·2k reviews·Quito, Ecuador

A 17th-century monastery in Quito's historic Guápulo suburb, showcasing stunning colonial art and a masterfully carved pulpit.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Church of Guápulo - white and green concrete church

Church of Guápulo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 17th-century monastery in Quito's historic Guápulo suburb, showcasing stunning colonial art and a masterfully carved pulpit.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Beautiful church in a historic colonial neighborhood, a must to visit in Quito."

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TIP

Tour for Rooftop Views

Join a 'Quito Eterno' tour for access to the church's roof and unique perspectives . :camerawithflash:

Combine with Other Sights

The church is beautiful but the area is limited. Pair it with other Quito attractions for a complete day . :world_map:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Santuario de Guápulo

Santuario de Guápulo

Guápulo suburb, Quito

A stunning 17th-century monastery showcasing impressive colonial art and a masterfully carved pulpit.

Museo Franciscano Fray Antonio Rodriguez

Museo Franciscano Fray Antonio Rodriguez

Within the monastery

Explore a rich collection of masterpieces from the monastery's historical and artistic heritage.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Colonial Charm

Discover the Santuario de Guápulo, a 17th-century monastery in Quito's historic Guápulo suburb. Admire its colonial art and carved pulpit. Consider a tour for rooftop access.Reddit

Plan Your Visit Wisely

While the church itself is beautiful, the surrounding neighborhood offers limited attractions. Combine your visit with other Quito sights for a fuller experience.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good for appreciating art
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bacolor church #fyp #tiktokph #holyweek #visitaiglesia
@iamkaradavid
242.4K likes • 2.5M views

Tour for Rooftop Views

Join a 'Quito Eterno' tour for access to the church's roof and unique perspectives.Reddit :camerawithflash:

Combine with Other Sights

The church is beautiful but the area is limited. Pair it with other Quito attractions for a complete day.Reddit :world_map:

Some of the best shots are never planned. During Belén & Matt’s wedding at the iconic Guápulo Church, there were spontaneous laughs, loving glances, and embraces that spoke louder than words. These are the moments that last forever ✨ Thanks!! @belenponcehoyt @matthew_hoyt2
luisenfant
79 likes • 4.2K views
reddit.com

Quito - Off the Beaten Path

Appreciate Colonial Art

Don't miss the impressive collection of colonial art and the intricately carved pulpit inside. :art:

Understand its Significance

Remember this is a significant site for Ecuador's Catholic heritage. :pray:

reddit.com

Neighborhood recommendations in Quito

Tips

from all over the internet

Tour for Rooftop Views

Join a 'Quito Eterno' tour for access to the church's roof and unique perspectives.Reddit :camerawithflash:

Combine with Other Sights

The church is beautiful but the area is limited. Pair it with other Quito attractions for a complete day.Reddit :world_map:

Appreciate Colonial Art

Don't miss the impressive collection of colonial art and the intricately carved pulpit inside. :art:

Understand its Significance

Remember this is a significant site for Ecuador's Catholic heritage. :pray:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Church of Guápulo for its beautiful colonial architecture and impressive collection of religious art, particularly the intricately carved pulpit. It's seen as a significant site for understanding Ecuador's Catholic heritage. However, some note that the surrounding suburb offers limited attractions beyond the church itself, suggesting it's best combined with other city visits.

"Beautiful Church, it makes you remember that Ecuador is a Catholic country."

Jose De Castro

"In the atmospheric suburb of Guápulo is the very beautiful Santuario de Guápulo, a monastery from the second half of the 17th century with an impressive collection of colonial art and the beautifully carved pulpit by Juan Batista Menacho. The Museo Franciscano Fray Antonio Rodriguez houses some of the masterpieces of the monastery's collection. Well worth a visit!"

Koen

"Beautiful church in a historic colonial neighborhood."

Rafael Ortiz

What People Like

Beautiful colonial art
Impressive carved pulpit
Historic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited attractions nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Church of Guápulo is located in the historic Guápulo suburb. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services from Quito's city center. Public buses are also an option, though they may require some walking to reach the church itself. Planning your route in advance is recommended.Reddit

Guápulo is an atmospheric suburb of Quito, known for its colonial charm. While accessible, it's a bit removed from the main tourist hubs, so factor in travel time when planning your visit.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the church itself is generally free, allowing visitors to admire its architecture and religious significance. However, access to specific areas like the museum or rooftop may require a separate ticket or be part of a guided tour.Reddit

Specific opening hours can vary, but churches in Quito typically open in the morning and close in the late afternoon. It's advisable to check locally or with your tour provider for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

Yes, there is typically a small entrance fee for the museum within the monastery to help with its preservation. This fee grants access to the impressive collection of colonial art.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main draw is the beautiful 17th-century Santuario de Guápulo, featuring an impressive collection of colonial art and a stunning carved pulpit. The adjacent Museo Franciscano Fray Antonio Rodriguez houses many of these masterpieces.Reddit

Access to the roof is often available through specific guided tours, such as those offered by 'Quito Eterno.' This provides a unique vantage point and a different perspective of the church and its surroundings.Reddit

Absolutely! The church's architecture, colonial art, and the surrounding historic neighborhood offer numerous beautiful photo opportunities. The rooftop access, if available, provides even more unique shots.Instagram

The Santuario de Guápulo is a significant 17th-century monastery that reflects Ecuador's rich Catholic history and its colonial past. It's a testament to the artistry and religious devotion of the era.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The immediate vicinity of the church might have limited dining options. However, the broader Guápulo neighborhood and nearby areas in Quito offer a range of restaurants and cafes serving local and international cuisine.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The intricately carved pulpit inside the church is a must-photograph. The exterior architecture and the views from the rooftop (if accessible via tour) are also excellent.Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the delicate colonial art. Always be respectful of worshippers and any posted signage.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Church of Guápulo is a beautiful historical site, it might be more suited for families with older children who can appreciate the art and history. The Museo Franciscano Fray Antonio Rodriguez offers a chance to see impressive colonial art, which could be an educational experience. However, the limited scope of attractions in the immediate suburb means it's best visited as part of a larger Quito itinerary.Reddit Consider a guided tour that might make the historical aspects more engaging for younger minds.

🏛️ History & Art Enthusiasts

For those passionate about history and art, the Church of Guápulo is a must-visit. The 17th-century Santuario itself is a marvel of colonial architecture, and the Museo Franciscano Fray Antonio Rodriguez houses a significant collection of masterpieces from this era. Pay special attention to the intricately carved pulpit, a true highlight of colonial craftsmanship.Reddit Exploring these elements offers a deep dive into Ecuador's rich cultural heritage.

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find plenty to capture at the Church of Guápulo. The architectural details of the church, the rich textures of the colonial art, and the carved pulpit offer stunning close-up opportunities. If you can arrange a tour that includes rooftop access, you'll be rewarded with unique panoramic shots of the historic Guápulo suburb.InstagramReddit Remember to be mindful of lighting conditions and any restrictions on flash photography.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Colonial Art

The Santuario de Guápulo is renowned for its significant collection of colonial art. This period, spanning roughly from the 16th to the 18th century, saw the fusion of European artistic styles with indigenous craftsmanship in the Americas. Within the church and its museum, you'll find paintings, sculptures, and religious artifacts that exemplify this unique artistic heritage. The Museo Franciscano Fray Antonio Rodriguez specifically houses many of these masterpieces, offering a deep dive into the religious and cultural history of the region.

One of the most striking features highlighted by visitors is the beautifully carved pulpit, attributed to Juan Batista Menacho. This intricate woodwork is a testament to the skill of colonial artisans and serves as a focal point for appreciating the church's artistic value. Experiencing the detail and craftsmanship up close is a highlight for many who visit.Reddit The sheer artistry involved in such a piece is often a topic of awe and admiration.

For those interested in a more comprehensive understanding, taking a guided tour can significantly enhance the experience. Tours, like those from 'Quito Eterno,' can provide context about the art, the history of the monastery, and even grant access to areas not typically open to the public, such as the rooftop, offering unique photographic opportunities and a broader perspective of the church's place within the historic Guápulo suburb.Reddit

Exploring the Guápulo Suburb

The Church of Guápulo is nestled within the atmospheric suburb of Guápulo, a historic area that retains much of its colonial charm. While the church itself is a primary draw, the surrounding neighborhood offers a glimpse into Quito's past with its traditional architecture and quieter streets. It's a place that invites a slower pace of exploration, allowing visitors to soak in the historical ambiance.

However, it's important to note that the suburb, while charming, is not densely packed with tourist attractions. Many visitors find that the church and its museum are the main points of interest, and the area offers 'not much else' in terms of extensive activities.Reddit This means that for a full day's exploration, it's often recommended to combine a visit to Guápulo with other nearby attractions in Quito. This strategic planning ensures a more varied and fulfilling itinerary, making the most of your time in the capital.Reddit

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