Plaza de la Independencia

Plaza de la Independencia, in Quito

Plaza de la Independencia, or Plaza Grande, is the heart of the historic centre of Quito. The Quito audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this major square, surrounded by the great buildings of power and faith.

The heart of the historic centre

Plaza de la Independencia is the reference point of the historic centre of Quito, the best preserved in Latin America and inscribed on the World Heritage list. It is surrounded by the major buildings of the city: the Carondelet Palace, seat of the government, the metropolitan cathedral, the archbishop's palace and the city hall. In its centre rises the monument to independence, which gave its name to the square. It is the living and symbolic heart of the Ecuadorian capital.

What to see

You admire the monument to independence and the great buildings that surround the square: the Carondelet Palace, the cathedral, the archbishop's palace and the city hall. Plaza de la Independencia is the heart of the historic centre of Quito. It is a must-see stop and an ideal starting point, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

Plaza de la Independencia lies in the heart of the historic centre of Quito, reachable on foot and by public transport. It is a public space open at all times, freely accessible and on the level; the buildings and shops around have their own hours. The square is lively all day.

What surrounds Plaza de la Independencia?

The Carondelet Palace, the metropolitan cathedral, the archbishop's palace and the city hall, around the monument to independence, in the heart of Quito.

Where is Plaza de la Independencia?

In the heart of the historic centre of Quito, in Ecuador.