Quito history

The history of Quito is a unique tapestry weaving together ancient pre-Columbian cultures and colonial heritage. Situated high in the Andes, the city has been a significant centre of power, trade, and art for centuries, which has shaped its distinctive character.

Founding and First Mentions

The history of settlement on the site of modern Quito spans over a thousand years. The first chapters of its story were written long before the arrival of Europeans.

• Pre-Columbian Era: Initially, this was the settlement of the Quitu indigenous tribe, which gave the city its name. Later, in the 15th century, these lands were conquered by the Inca Empire and transformed into a vital northern outpost of their state.
• Spanish Foundation: The official date of the modern city's founding is considered to be 6 December 1534. On this day, the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar founded the city on the site of the indigenous settlement, giving it the full name San Francisco de Quito.

Key Factors of Development

Quito owes its rapid development and growing influence to several key factors that defined its destiny for centuries to come.

• Geographical Location: Its strategic position in a fertile inter-Andean valley at an altitude of approximately 2,850 metres above sea level made the city the natural centre of the region.
• Political Power: Following the Spanish conquest, Quito quickly became an administrative hub. In 1563, the Royal Audience (Real Audiencia) was established here—a supreme judicial and administrative body—which cemented the city's status as one of the key points of the Spanish Empire in South America. In 1830, Quito became the capital of the independent state of Ecuador.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During the colonial period, Quito became renowned not only as an administrative centre but also as an outstanding hub for culture and craftsmanship.

• Quito School of Art (Escuela Quiteña): In the 17th and 18th centuries, a famous artistic school emerged in the city, blending European (Spanish, Italian, Flemish) and indigenous traditions. Its masters created unique works of painting and sculpture that still adorn the city's numerous churches and monasteries, such as San Francisco and La Compañía de Jesús.
• Economic Role: The city served as a major centre for managing agricultural lands and collecting tributes from surrounding territories. It became a focal point for crafts, trade, and religious life, which contributed to its economic prosperity.

Chronology of Key Events

• Late 15th Century: The territory of the modern city is conquered by the Inca Empire, transforming the local settlement into a key northern outpost of their state.
• 6 December 1534: Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar officially founds San Francisco de Quito on the ruins of the indigenous city.
• 1563: The Spanish Crown establishes the Royal Audience of Quito, granting the city the status of an administrative and judicial centre for vast territories.
• 1605: Construction begins on the famous Church of La Compañía de Jesús, which would later become a masterpiece of Latin American Baroque.
• 10 August 1809: The local elite proclaims independence from Spain, an event known in history as the "First Cry of Independence" in the Americas.
• 24 May 1822: In the Battle of Pichincha, troops commanded by Antonio José de Sucre defeat the Spanish army, securing freedom for the region.
• 13 May 1830: The independent Republic of Ecuador is formed, and the city officially becomes its capital.
• 25 June 1908: The first train arrives in the capital via the Trans-Andean railway, connecting the mountains with the Pacific coast.
• 1978: The city becomes one of the first sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, thanks to the preservation of its historic centre.
• March 1987: A strong earthquake damages many historic buildings, prompting the creation of the Cultural Heritage Salvation Fund.
• February 2013: Closure of the old airport within the city limits and the opening of the new Mariscal Sucre International Airport in the suburb of Tababela.
• December 2023: Launch of operations for the first metro line, becoming the highest-altitude metro system in the world.

Key Milestones in Quito's Development

The history of Quito is a continuous process of transformation, where each era has left its mark on the city's architecture, economy, and culture. From a colonial centre to a modern metropolis, these stages have shaped the unique character of the Ecuadorian capital.

• Colonial Urban Planning (16th Century): Following the Spanish founding in 1534, the city began to be developed using a strict grid layout, typical of colonial cities in Latin America. This period defined the appearance of the historic centre, laying the foundation for the construction of numerous churches, monasteries, and administrative buildings that became the core of the future city.
• Status as an Art Centre (17th–18th Centuries): During this time, the famous Quito School of Art (Escuela Quiteña) flourished, combining European Baroque with local traditions. The city became a leading producer of religious art for all of South America, which not only enriched it culturally but also became a significant economic sector.
• Proclamation as Capital (1830): After Ecuador gained independence, Quito officially became its capital. This status strengthened its political and administrative significance, stimulating the growth of government institutions and gradual expansion beyond the colonial boundaries.
• Railway Construction (Early 20th Century): The completion of the railway connecting Quito with the port city of Guayaquil was a true economic revolution. It significantly simplified the transport of goods, strengthened trade ties between the highland and coastal regions, and contributed to the industrial development of the capital.
• UNESCO Recognition (1978): The inclusion of Quito's historic centre in the UNESCO World Heritage list as one of the first in the world was a turning point. This attracted international attention, gave a powerful impulse to the development of tourism, and promoted measures to preserve its unique architectural heritage.
• Modern Infrastructure Modernisation (21st Century): The opening of the new Mariscal Sucre International Airport in 2013 away from the city centre and the launch of the first metro line became the most important urban planning projects of modern times. These steps were aimed at solving the transport problems of the growing metropolis and improving its international and domestic accessibility.

The architectural appearance of Quito represents a unique canvas upon which different eras have left their distinctive strokes. From the austere colonial centre, recognised as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites, to modern business districts, the city demonstrates a harmonious development and shift in styles over the centuries. Urban planning here has always taken the complex mountain terrain into account, giving the layout a special character.

Colonial Era (16th–18th Centuries): The Flourishing of Quito Baroque

With the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the city's development began according to the grid system typical of colonies, featuring a central square. This period is characterised by the dominance of a style known as "Quito Baroque" (Barroco Quiteño). This is a unique fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, and Flemish architectural traditions, enriched by the motifs and techniques of the indigenous population.

• Stylistic Features: Lavish decor, an abundance of gilding, and intricate stone and wood carving.
• Landmark Structures: The pinnacle of this style is considered to be the Church of La Compañía de Jesús (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús), the interior of which is almost completely covered in gold leaf. Also iconic are the monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, whose majestic complexes formed the core of the historic centre.

Republican Period (19th – Early 20th Centuries): Neoclassicism and New Trends

After gaining independence, Neoclassicism established itself in Quito's architecture, symbolising a break with the colonial past and a turn towards the ideals of antiquity. It is characterised by severity of form, symmetry, and monumentality.

• Urban Development: The city began to slowly expand beyond the old centre, and new public buildings appeared.
• Landmark Structures: A vivid example of this period is the Sucre National Theatre (Teatro Nacional Sucre), built in the second half of the 19th century based on a design by a European architect. At the same time, the construction of the grandiose Basílica del Voto Nacional began—the largest Neo-Gothic temple in the Americas. Although its construction continued almost until the end of the 20th century, Neo-Gothic became another important style defining the city's silhouette.

Modern Era (Mid-20th Century – Present): Modernism and Urbanisation

From the mid-20th century, rapid growth began in Quito, particularly towards the north. This stage is characterised by the appearance of modern architecture and the formation of new functional zones.

• Styles and Approaches: Buildings in the style of Modernism and the International Style appeared in the city, followed later by Postmodernism and contemporary architecture using glass, concrete, and steel.
• Urban Development: A clear division of the city occurred into the historic centre, business districts (such as the La Mariscal neighbourhood), and residential areas. The construction of the new airport and the first metro line in the 21st century became an important stage in the modernisation of urban infrastructure.

Distinguished Personalities in Quito's History

Throughout the centuries, Quito has been a cradle and an arena for many outstanding figures whose names are forever inscribed in the history of Ecuador and all of South America. From Inca rulers to revolutionaries and world-renowned artists, these personalities shaped the capital's cultural and political landscape.

• Atahualpa: The last ruler of the powerful Inca Empire. His figure is inextricably linked with Quito, which was an important centre of the Inca world. Atahualpa's capture and execution by Spanish conquistadors became a turning point, marking the end of the pre-Columbian era in the region.
• Eugenio Espejo: A native of Quito, an outstanding thinker, physician, and writer of the Enlightenment era. He is considered one of the first and most influential ideologues of the independence movement. Through his scientific works and satirical pamphlets, Espejo laid the intellectual foundation for the future struggle for freedom.
• Manuela Sáenz: A heroine of the war for independence and companion of Simón Bolívar, born in Quito. For her courage, political acumen, and active participation in battles, she received the honorary title "Liberatrix of the Liberator" and became one of Ecuador's main national symbols.
• Antonio José de Sucre: The Grand Marshal of Ayacucho, whose army achieved victory in the decisive battle on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano on 24 May 1822. This victory brought Quito liberation from Spanish colonial rule. Although Sucre was Venezuelan, his contribution to the city's history is immense, and the National Theatre bears his name.
• Gabriel García Moreno: One of the key and most controversial figures in 19th-century Ecuadorian politics, who served as president twice. He is known as a reformer who actively developed science and infrastructure; notably, he founded the Quito Astronomical Observatory and built roads connecting the capital with the coast.
• Oswaldo Guayasamín: One of the greatest painters and sculptors of Latin America in the 20th century, born in Quito. His expressive works, dedicated to themes of social injustice, pain, and hope, received global recognition. His house-museum and the monumental "Chapel of Man" (Capilla del Hombre) complex are vital cultural centres of the capital.