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The Basilica of the National Vow (Basílica del Voto Nacional), a huge church built in 1926, is located in the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city center of Quito. It’s the largest neo-Gothic church in the Americas.

Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador
Basilica of the National Vow
Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador
Basilica of the National Vow

 

Nave

It costs US$2 for foreigners (as of August 2024) to enter the cavernous building. There are some very nice stained glass windows and a nice chapel behind the altar.

Nave of the Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador
Nave
Chapel at the Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador
Chapel

 

Climbing the Tower

If I were you, I’d also pay the additional US$4 (as of August 2024) to climb the church’s tower. The entrance is outside underneath the clock towers. This was one of the best experiences we had in Quito. On the first level we climbed to, we were treated to a fantastic perspective of the interior of the building.

Nave of the Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador
Nave

On the next level, after walking through a large gift shop, we got to see a nice view of the historic city.

View of Quito from the Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador
View of Quito

From there, it was a long walk across rickety wooden planks to a very steep stairway.

Walking on the planks at the Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador
Walking on the planks

Once up the first stairway, there was another one out in the open air that led to a small tower at the very top. I climbed it, Marisol did not.

Climbing up the tower of the Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador
That’s me climbing up!

From the tower, I had one of the best views of Quito and a unique look at the church. One thing I noticed was that the clocks were both set to different times. I’m not sure if there’s any significance to it or not.

View from the tower of the Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador
View from the tower
View from the tower of the Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, Ecuador
View from the tower

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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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