Basílica del Voto Nacional
The Basilica of the National Vow soars above the historic center of Quito, the largest Neo-Gothic church in the Americas and one of the most striking landmarks of the Ecuadorian capital. Begun in 1892 as a national act of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it was blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1985 and consecrated in 1988, yet remains officially unfinished, in keeping with a local legend that its completion will herald the end of the world.
Reaching 115 meters at its towers, the basilica is famous for a quirky inventive twist on Gothic tradition: in place of European gargoyles, its exterior is adorned with carved Ecuadorian fauna, including iguanas, tortoises, armadillos, and condors. The luminous interior glows with stained glass, while the great rose window and vaulted nave reward those who venture inside.
The basilica's towers are a celebrated, vertiginous climb for visitors, offering panoramic views over the red-tiled roofs of Quito's UNESCO-listed old town and the surrounding Andes. A working church and a top attraction in the capital, it draws streams of tourists willing to scale its narrow stairs and ladders to the heights.
- Location
- -0.2150, -78.5074
- Local time
- 17:36 (America/Guayaquil)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Fri | 09:00–17:00 |
| Sat–Sun | 06:00–18:00 |
Weekday tourist hours 9-17; wider weekend window includes early masses
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
-
Sacred Heart of Jesus Saint
Basilica built as Ecuador's perpetual consecration to the Sacred Heart; 16th-c. original image kept in a private chapel
-
Mariana de Jesús Saint
Ecuadorian saint (St. Mariana of Quito) honored with statue and devotion inside
-
Narcisa de Jesús Saint
Ecuadorian saint honored with statue inside the basilica
-
Dominic Savio Saint
Depicted among the Catholic saints in the basilica's stained glass and chapels
-
John Bosco Saint
Salesian connection; venerated and depicted in basilica imagery
-
Anne Saint
Among the saints depicted in the basilica's stained-glass windows
Care & donations
Oblates of the Sacred Heart / Archdiocese of Quito
Charges a small admission fee for tower access; accepts donations
The candle wall
22 candles burning now · 150 places
17:36
Tap an empty holder to light your own candle · €2.00 · hover a flame to see its intention