Some of My Favorites - Architecture As Art
- gabrielaliebert5
- Jul 4
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 4
When I visit a city I’ve never been to before, I always know where to find the heart of its beauty, history and community. The center of the city will typically have structures, whether for government, worship, or residences, that encapsulate the history and culture of a region. In particular, places of worship have long been the guardians of and advocates for beauty and art, and they are high on the list of places I want to see.
I grew up in Quito, Ecuador, known by many as the "City of Churches.” Every day as a child, I heard bells at various times of the day, either from my home, school, or walking around town. The sound marked the hour for prayer, work, and community gatherings.
The city of San Francisco de Quito (usually simplified to Quito) is the capital of Ecuador and the second-largest city in the nation, after Guayaquil. It is centrally located on a fertile plateau high (9,300 feet/2,800 meters) above sea level in the Andes Mountains. Its climate falls into a perfect comfort zone, with temperatures of 64 F (18 C) and average relative humidity of 70%. The area has been populated for centuries.
The first settlers were the Quitu people, who were eventually subjugated by the Caras culture. Sometime during the fifteenth century, the city and region were conquered by the mighty Inca Empire, based out of Cuzco to the south. Quito prospered under the Inca and soon became the second most important city in the Empire.
Quito was plunged into civil war sometime around 1526. Inca ruler Huayna Capac died (possibly of smallpox) and two of his many sons, Atahualpa and Huáscar, began to fight over his empire. The Spanish Conquistadors put an end to that dispute when they arrived in the Incan city of Quito in 1534.
The Spaniards conquered this territory with the goal of converting the city into the "monastery of the Andes." They built churches, monasteries and convents and set about the mission of converting the population to Catholicism—at one point the country was ninety-five percent Catholic. Today the number has decreased to 80% with other Christian alternatives rising in popularity.
My hometown was a major center for religious orders during the Spanish colonial period. The colonial city council provided land to the Franciscans, Augustinians, and Jesuits, who built a remarkable number of churches and convents in Quito during the 16th century.
Faith runs in the veins of my country of birth. Ecuador was consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on March 25, 1874, by then President Gabriel García Moreno and Archbishop José Ignacio Checa y Barba. Consecration is the act of declaring the intent to devote something or someone irrevocably to the worship of God by a solemn ceremony. This consecration took place in the cathedral of Quito, and marked a significant moment in Ecuador's religious and political history. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus within the Catholic faith, with Ecuador renewing its declaration of consecration in March 2024.
Quito is a historical center—UNESCO World Heritage Site—which showcases at least 30 churches, convents and monasteries. But the city as a whole has approximately 600 churches and places of prayer and worship.
The churches of Quito are located everywhere throughout the city. As the modern city grew to the north and the east valleys, churches continued to be built in the heart of each residential neighborhood. Churches were not simply places of worship, but were community gathering places, hosting events and serving various group functions.
From the historic downtown with its stunning architecture and intricate design to Quito’s modern downtown and on to the valleys that surround the city with newer structures, architecture as art in this city never ceases to impress.
These are some of my favorite churches.
In Quito
The Church of the Society of Jesus or “La Compañía – I used to feel overwhelmed by its busyness and all of the gold. I discovered I am somewhat of a minimalist, but I have learned to appreciate its beauty. The church with its rich internal ornamentation—completely covered with gold sheets—is one of the main tourist attractions in the entire country. The
church was built over a period of 160 years under several different architects, and features four styles in its architecture, although Baroque art predominates.
The church includes the Mudéjar style, which is characterized by the geometric figures that can be seen on the pillars. The Churrigueresque style, with marked ornate decoration visible above all the screens of the church. And finally we find the Neoclassical style, adorning the Chapel of Santa Mariana de Jesús, which in the early years was a winery.
San Francisco de Quito, The Iglesia de San Francisco, or Church of Saint Francis, is one of the oldest churches in South America. Founded in 1535, this massive stone and whitewashed construction has witnessed nearly 500 years of history. It is a Catholic basilica that stands in the middle of the historic center of Quito, in front of the square by the same name. It is the oldest and most significant religious site in Ecuador. San Francisco is considered a jewel of continental architecture for its mixture of different styles combined throughout more than 150 years of construction. San Francisco is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "City of Quito".
Basilica del Voto Nacional is gothic in style. My paternal grandfather—Federico Caicedo, a beloved journalist and historian—is buried here, which is a great honor. The basilica’s origins date back to 1883, proposed by Father Julio Matovelle as a monument to honor Ecuador’s consecration to the Sacred Heart. Taking inspiration from the Bourges Cathedral, architect Emilio Tarlier brought this vision to life, with Pope John Paul II bestowing his blessings in 1985. The basilica features fourteen bronze apostles and evangelists, a pantheon including the remains of past leaders, and 24 chapels, each representing a province of Ecuador. The basilica’s iconography reflects the natural beauty of Ecuador, replacing traditional gargoyles with sculptures of the nation’s indigenous fauna like condors, alligators, and Galápagos tortoises.
Santa Teresita is a 20th century neogothic church. The gray interiors are contrasted by white elements and colorful stained glass windows, along with a classically Spanish style interior and Moorish elements. It has some remarkable sculptures depicting the Stations of the Cross. I attended church here as a child with my maternal grandmother whose home was located in this prominent 70’s neighborhood.
Our Lady of Mercy or “Nuestra Señora de la Merced” is the first church and headquarters of the Mercedarian Order in the country and for this reason it bears the title of Basilica. It is located in Quito’s historic district.
In Germany
St. Michael's Church, Hamburg ("Michel") – A prominent Baroque church and a Hamburg landmark.
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this impressive Gothic cathedral is renowned for its towering twin spires and stunning stained glass windows.
In Miami
Gesu Church – Founded in 1896, is the oldest Catholic Church in Miami and the oldest parish in South Florida. It's listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Sites.
Ermita de la Caridad – A stunning church with a unique location overlooking Biscayne Bay. It's a significant place of worship for the Cuban community and offers beautiful ocean views.
As I’ve expressed before, all buildings are not necessarily architecture. Architecture has a higher purpose, encompassing function and art in a mix of materials, elements and proportions. In their alchemy they not only serve our physical needs and shelter our actions but inspire our minds and warm our hearts.
Architecture is a stunning form of art, and church buildings display their art, both inside and outside. They are spaces rich in history and alive with community. Next time you visit a new city, make time to explore the beauty which is not housed in museums, but is sprinkled throughout the streets and neighborhoods. You will see more than can be found in a guidebook and gain a deeper feeling for the culture and the people.
Art is an expression of the human spirit, containing something of the divine. Architecture is art and I would love a chance to help you see the beauty to be found in your own city. Subscribe to be inspired.
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