A unique tour on the domes of “La Merced” Convent in Quito

If you are a tourist that loves art and is not afraid of heights, wanting something different, we recommend a tour to the domes and belfry at the La Merced Convent. This is something different and exceptional that will transport you to the religious spiritual atmosphere that reigned in Quito during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries in Colonial times when the city and the religious orders that came from Spain strived to possess the richest and most splendid construction in the city.

The tour takes off with a walk through Historical Downtown Quito, first a visit that can not be missed to the Compañía de Jesus Church that belonged to the Jesuit Order. Then, the Mercedaria Order has allowed an exclusive tour of their Church, the Convent and the Library that holds the antique collection of hand written books and many other valuable volumes from the 16th century on. Once you have visited the Convent, the Church and the Library, the tour takes small groups of 10 to 15 people on a walk up old staircase to the choir with an impressive view of the Church, and the huge bronze bell, one of the oldest in America. Then you will carefully climb up and around the roof and admire the lit domes around the city that twinkles and sleeps at the foot of the Pichincha volcano. You will sit on the roof for a few minutes to admire the original plot of the old city communicated by its Churches and Convents with avenues and streets that were drawn on the skirts of the Pichincha Volcano.

The size and greatness of the temple, built of stone and clay, plastered with gold leaf, clearly indicates the advanced construction techniques of the 16th century, the knowledge that the religious people had to create such splendid works of architecture such as this convent where the Moorish influence, of the Arab invasion of Spain, is manifested. The Monastery built from 1550 to 1670 holds magnificent paintings and sculptures, and its location in the centre of the city gives the tourist and impressive view.

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