San Francisco Church – Quito’s Oldest Landmark with a Legendary Past

Yesterday morning, we left early from our Quito hotel, heading to the Galápagos Islands. We’re curious to see what this next chapter brings—swapping the comfort of a hotel for a cabin on a yacht shared with four other couples we don’t know. Let’s cross our fingers! 

Since today was another travel-heavy day, there wasn’t much time for photography. But since we started our day in Quito, it felt like the right moment to share a photo from the very beginning of our trip two weeks ago.

This shot was taken on our first evening in Quito from the rooftop terrace of Casa Gangotena, overlooking Plaza San Francisco. The San Francisco Church, built in 1535, is the oldest in Quito and a significant part of the city’s colonial heritage. Its twin bell towers, Baroque-style façade, and Moorish-style domes make it one of the standout landmarks in the historic center.
The church is also surrounded by Quito legend—the story of Cantuña, an Indigenous builder who supposedly made a deal with the devil to finish the church’s atrium. In the end, he outsmarted him and kept his soul.

Whether you believe the legend or not, this place has a unique presence—especially on a rainy night, when the lights reflect off the wet cobblestones, adding to the mystery.