Basilica del Voto Nacional

Basilica del Voto Nacional

Basilica del Voto Nacional
4.5
Architectural BuildingsReligious Sites
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Step into the heart of Quito and witness an architectural wonder that seamlessly marries neo-Gothic grandeur with Ecuadorian history - La Basílica Voto Nacional. Towering over the city's landscape, its intricate stone facades tell tales of the country's past, while its awe-inspiring stained glass windows play a kaleidoscope of colors with the sun's every move. Venture up its soaring towers for a bird's-eye view of Quito that's nothing short of breathtaking. But it's not just about the view; it's about the journey. As you ascend, the rich tapestry of Quito's culture, history, and spirit envelops you. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, history buff, or just a traveler in search of the city's jewels, La Basílica promises an unforgettable experience. A masterpiece in stone, it's an emblem of Quito's spiritual and artistic heritage.
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$7.99
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  • Janis L
    8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Views, Inside and Out
    The Basilica was the start of our walking tour of the Old Town. The art and history of this church are fascinating. But the best fun was being able to climb the infrastructure and see both the interior and out to the rooftop and amazing views of Quito. If you are already a little breathless from the city altitude, there is an elevator. There are also shops and rest stops on a few floors.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 6, 2024
  • William F
    Denver, Colorado743 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Classic European feel
    Really enjoyed this Basilica. The lines are so classic European cathedral, I almost forgot I was in Ecuador. I climbed up into the block towers and the views were outstanding. Tip, take the elevator up part way if you don't want to walk up the whole way. A sunning Rose Window and just enjoy the majesty of the place.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written May 3, 2024
  • Michael H
    Fredericton, Canada49 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Be prepared to pay twice
    You need to pay to visit the Basilica (worth it) and then go back outside to the other end of the building to re-enter for the tower climb (really worth it). The views of the city are great and you can even get coca tea in the clock tower concession. Weird but cool!
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 23, 2024
  • Magdalena F
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Free Tour with Alexis
    Since we were looking for a guide to guide us through the basilica, we came across Alexis. He has told us many interesting facts and stories about the creation, with a lot of heart and enthusiasm. The tour was very entertaining and exciting.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written September 17, 2024
  • PhilyAreaTraveler
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't miss the tower climbs for a spectacular view
    This is a contemporary Gothic cathedral, not particularly distinctive from an art and architectural perspective. Don't expect the awe-inspiring Medieval cathedral you would find in Europe. But be sure to buy tickets to do the tower climb! The climb itself is fun and the view are sensational! You buy your ticket at the ticket counter across the plaza (northwest side) from the cathedral itself. There is a separate, cheaper entry to the main floor of the cathedral, which you can take or leave. You get to climb three towers-- the two on the facade side and the large dome tower over the transept. The latter includes an outdoor steep metal staircase climb to the top that is more ladder than stairs. Not for those afraid of heights-- thrilling to the rest.
    Visited December 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 6, 2025
  • luckydog172
    Laguna Niguel, California778 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must see!
    I already wrote this review under skip the line. Beautiful church 2$ Seniors $4 regular. You can take elevator and walk through a scam shop out to see the whole city. You can even climb more steep stairs to the highest level if you like. Second floor, you can see the inside of the church. It's so beautiful with stained glass all across the walls and a beautiful big round one. I recommend this visit.
    Visited February 2025
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 5, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5 of 5 bubbles3,957 reviews
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Armando P
Guatemala City, Guatemala606 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Solo
The church is impressive from any angle, especially that here in Latin America we do not have such large churches of this style that makes it unique.
I recommend that you take a walking tour, because I did the same thing, I went 2 times, the first on my own (the cost is 2 dollars, 4 more if you climb the towers) and the second with a Tour, where they explained to us about the gargoyles that They are from each animal in the country, shields that are from Latin American countries.
Impressive from the inside and out, take your time to appreciate such beautiful architecture, you will not regret it.
Google
Written December 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chemtrailer
Canada403 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
For a mere $4USD you can buy ticketed access to the basilica main area as well access to the towers. It's a great way to explore the edifice and can get a little interesting when you get near the top on the steep ladder. Some gift shops available as well as a couple of small cafes in the towers that offer snack service and craft beer and wine. When do you ever get to drink in church??
Written December 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ricardo Chaves Garita
San Ramon, Costa Rica214 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
Impressive construction. A must visit in the city of Quito. Simply majestic, big, beautiful. He has nothing to wish on cathedrals or churches in other countries. As it is a large building, it requires several hours to fully enjoy it, including climbing the towers.
Google
Written September 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TongtongCa
CA314 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
I had a disappointing experience and advise caution regarding entrance ticket scams. We had this place on our checklist primarily because of its unique depiction of animals instead of saints in its church murals. After a 25-minute walk from the historical center to the Basilica, we noticed guards inside the church directing us to a ticket booth. After paying $8 for two people, we took an elevator to the second floor. Expecting to explore 10-15 floors, we climbed to the 15th via a spiral staircase, only to realize we were at the peak of one tower. Oddly, between the 10th to 15th floors were just cafeterias and souvenir shops. I question the need to pay to access what seemed like purely commercial spaces.

Upon inquiring, a clerk instructed us to go to the first floor, mentioning a bridge that connects the two towers. Unfortunately, we couldn't find any signs or the alleged bridge. When we returned to the ground floor hoping to enter the main basilica and view the distinctive murals, we learned it would cost an additional $4 for both of us. We chose to forgo it.

Overall, I felt cheated. The $8 fee hardly seemed worth it. The Basilica isn’t well-maintained, and the ticketing system is unclear. Why should visitors pay twice for the tower and main building without a proper explanation? The view from the tower was average at best. Comparable panoramic views of the city can be found from other cathedrals as well
Written August 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DesertRose
542 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
This is a very interesting though not historic church. The native animals instead of the usual gargoyles were a nice touch that really gives it character.
The climb to the very top of the tower is nervewracking as the stairs are very steep and there is little room for your feet. I was scared and I don't have issues with heights so if you do be sure to avoid.
My issue is that the entry fee for visitors is higher than for locals which is racist.
Written August 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CumbrianAbroad
Shanghai, China269 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
The Basilica is imposing and can be seen from many places in the city. For $3 you can go up the tower and climb onto an external platform with 360 degree views across the city. This involves climbing very steep ladders on the outside of the platform - quite scary! You access this by climbing the stairs in the towers or by lift and walking through the roof of the Basilica which has been thoughtfully designed to allow this. The church and altar command a separate fee to enter (you can actually see this from above if you do the tower access). Shops, toilets and a cafe can be found in the courtyard.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brendan S
Arlington, VA2,185 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Solo
The Basílica looks like it was built hundreds of years ago but was, in fact, completed in the late 20th Century. There is therefore not a lot of history here, but it’s a soaring structure that dominates Old Quito. The most interesting feature is gargoyles shaped like local animals. I did not have enough time to climb the towers and I think a tour by a knowledgeable guide would be helpful to appreciate it. I liked that it was empty on a weekday morning when I visited.
Written December 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

K1139AS, UK
United Kingdom54 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
Nice enough inside the basilica for $2pp admission but well worth paying the $3 to go up the towers by stairs and lift. Wait for good weather to get the all round views from on high. You can stop at each floor on the way up to look out as well as visit gift shops/cafe. On one floor you are inside the clock although none of them were working. There is also a modern walkway built within the roof to access the other side but note there is a steep open metal staircase to ascend the small tower there. Afterwards we had really good coffee and traditional snacks in the courtyard cafe - well recommended as were the craft shops there which sold very nice and reasonably priced goods.
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nicki E
Illinois601 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
From the TeleforiQo, we had the taxi drop us off at the Basilica del Voto Nacional. It’s stoic Gothic styling is so different from all the other churches we saw in Quito. Be sure to look up at the gargoyles that are shaped like Ecuadorian animals. We paid the basic admission to see inside the magnificent church and went up the northwest tower (to the left as you’re facing the front of the basilica) until we reached a bar. A woman there offered to sell us another ticket to keep on climbing, but we said the magic word “cerveza” and she welcomed us into the bar and gave us seats on the balcony with magnificent view scross the city to Virgen and beyond to the mountains. We drank a local beer called LIzama, and it was heavenly (get it? Because we were in a church? But really, it was tasty).
Written September 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rodney B
Waukesha, WI1,152 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Family
My son and I stopped over here while in Quito. It was $2 to enter the church which has great stained glass, and carvings. In order to go up the towers it is a separate fee of $3 which is worth it. There are a lot of stairs and some tight spiral staircases with low ceilings so watch your head. There is an elevator that goes part of the way up, but we did not take it. There is also a gift shop, a café and an art gallery on the way up. Great views of Quito and unique views of the Basilica. Worth a stop.
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Basilica del Voto Nacional, Quito

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