During the old days people walking along this 1.7 km (one mile) long historic street right across downtown Quito would have to make a cross sign seven times. Nowadays some of the churches and religious institutions have been converted into museums. Buses exhausting black smoke, but also pedestrian zones are part of the experience of walking through. Along the way you often see two signs: one Calle de las Siete Cruces, the other Garcia Moreno. The latter name was given to the street after the assassination of Moreno in 1875 between the government palace and the cathedral. It is not a result of secularization, as Garcia Moreno was a staunch Catholic who made his religion, a state religion. The street runs north/south. At its southern end there is a staircase up to the Virgen with wings at Panecillo.

There are several old buildings here that have beautiful colonial architecture. There are also many shops, restaurants & historical places to visit. It is also a great place to people watch.