La Virgen del Panecillo

The Virgin of El Panecillo, in Quito

The Virgin of El Panecillo is a large statue that watches over Quito from the top of the El Panecillo hill. The Quito audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this emblematic monument, which offers one of the finest panoramas over the city.

A winged Virgin watching over the city

At the top of the El Panecillo hill stands a large statue of the Virgin, in aluminium, inspired by a famous colonial work of the Quito school. Represented winged, standing on a globe, she is one of the highest statues of this type. Dominating the historic centre, she symbolically watches over Quito and offers, from the hill, an exceptional three-hundred-and-sixty-degree panorama over the city and the surrounding volcanoes.

What to see

You admire the large winged statue of the Virgin, standing on her globe, and you enjoy an exceptional panorama over Quito and the volcanoes, from the El Panecillo hill. The Virgin watches over the city and offers one of its finest views. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Virgin of El Panecillo lies at the top of the El Panecillo hill, which dominates the historic centre of Quito, reachable by road. The site is open-air; access to the foot of the statue and the viewpoint may be subject to an entrance fee, according to hours that vary. It is best to enquire about access and to enjoy the panorama on a clear day.

What is the Virgin of El Panecillo?

A large aluminium statue of a winged Virgin, inspired by a colonial work of the Quito school, which watches over Quito from the top of the El Panecillo hill.

Where is the Virgin of El Panecillo?

At the top of the El Panecillo hill, which dominates the historic centre of Quito.