Santo Domingo Plaza (Plaza de Santa Domingo)
Calle Guayaquil S1-76, Quito, Pichincha, 170401
Situated at the southern edge of Quito’s Old Town, Santo Domingo Plaza (Plaza de Santo Domingo) sits beneath the shadow of the 17th-century domed Iglesia de Santo Domingo. A statue of Ecuadorean hero Antonio José de Sucre stands in the middle of the plaza, pointing toward the spot where the battle for independence was won in 1822.
The Basics
While centrally located, this quiet plaza often gets overlooked for other Quito attractions. A few sightseeing tours of Quito stop at the plaza, mostly to visit the colonial church, which houses an impressive neo-Gothic altar, Moorish ceiling, and a statue of the Virgen del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary). The Dominican monastery next door has a small museum of religious art and a quiet garden cloister.
Things to Know Before You Go
Santo Domingo Plaza is perfect for those looking to escape the bustle of central Quito.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces; many of the surrounding streets are cobbled.
If you plan on entering the church, dress respectfully.
How to Get There
Santa Domingo Plaza is near the southwest end of Calle Guayaquil in Quito's Old Town. It’s within walking distance of the city center, but it’s a good idea to hire a taxi if you’re visiting at night.
When to Get There
A bit off the tourist track, Santo Domingo Plaza offers a quieter alternative to some of the city’s busier squares. Come at night when the domed church is floodlit. The church is closed to sightseers on Sundays.
The Buskers of Santo Domingo Plaza
On weekend, this square, a regular haunt for buskers, takes on an almost carnival-like atmosphere when neighboring Quiteños converge to watch the acrobats, jugglers, and magicians perform their time-tested routines.
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