South America
Ecuador
Pichincha Province
Quito
Things to Do in Quito
Basilica del Voto Nacional

Basilica del Voto Nacional, Quito

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Basilica del Voto Nacional

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Basilica del Voto Nacional
4.5
3,903
#6 of 246 things to do in Quito
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
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About
Considered the largest church in Quito, this impressive building features fine bronze doors, colorful stained glass windows and a tower with sweeping views of the city.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,211 within 3 miles
Omotos
67
0.2 mi$ • Brew Pub • Pizza • Gastropub
Cafe San Blas
237
0.3 mi$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Theatrum
454
0.3 mi$$$$ • Latin • International • Ecuadorean
Las Corvinas de Don Jimmy
209
0.3 mi$ • Latin • Seafood • Ecuadorean
Bandido Brewing
620
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Brew Pub • Bar • Pizza
Republica del Cacao - Centro Histórico de Quito
237
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe
En-Dulce
205
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • Cafe • Ecuadorean
Ristorante Pizzeria Rincon Belmonte
69
0.3 mi$ • Italian • Pizza • European
Govindas
136
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Restaurante El Ventanal
345
0.3 mi$$$$ • Latin • International • Ecuadorean
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Attractions
173 within 6 miles
Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande)
1,493
407 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Calle de las Siete Cruces
10
407 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Arco de la Reina
8
407 ftHistoric Sites
Cuartel de la Real Audiencia de Quito
2
407 ftArchitectural Buildings
Palacio Compañía de Crédito Agrícola e Industrial
1
407 ftArchitectural Buildings
Casa Gangotena Posse
1
407 ftArchitectural Buildings
Casa Pérez Pallares
1
457 ftArchitectural Buildings
Mansión Eguiguren
1
457 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Casa Larrea Jijón
1
407 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
La Guaragua
1
518 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,903 reviews
Excellent
2,557
Very good
1,077
Average
227
Poor
32
Terrible
10
Nicki E
Illinois431 contributions
Unique
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.
Rodney B
Waukesha, WI1,115 contributions
Great Basilica
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.
Anne S
Leeds, UK384 contributions
The best parts are the towers
We used the hop-on hop-off bus and this was one of the stops. We paid a couple of dollars each to visit the main body of the cathedral, and the sun shining through the stained glass created some lovely effects. We then discovered that for a further couple of dollars we could go up the clock tower and our husbands walked through the roof void and found the central spire which they could climb up. This was the highlight of our visit. Overall it took us about an hour which was perfect for getting on the next bus.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3,219 contributions
National prestige
Perhaps a bit of an unusual name for a church 'basilica of the national vow'. As if the initiators in the 1890s wanted it to be the result of efforts by the whole nation. At some point a national tax was imposed on salt to finance the construction. Though a Roman Catholic church, different presidents probably also supported the vow (pledge) to put Ecuador on the international map with a prestigious building.

Indeed the basilica is huge with two 115m tall towers, 140m in length, moreover located on a small hill, it commands the larger city environment. Neogothic in style, with pointed arches and stained glass windows permitting light to enter the nave. The architect Emilio Tarlier was inspired by the Bourges cathedral (France) built early 1300s during a time the church held significant power. By the time his basilica was in inaugurated in 1988, the power of the church had been replaced by financial institutions such as banks. Their skyscrapers probably evoke more awe.

Admission fee church 2 USD
Admission fee tower 2 USD
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pfefmeister
San Francisco, CA2,586 contributions
First Thing To Visit in Old Town
Couples
We used this tremendous Basilica as a landmark while walking to Old Town from our Mariscal neighborhood. I was stunned by the enormity of the building as we approached via the park in the front. $3 gets you in and the interior boggles your mind as to how they were able to construct something like this so many years ago. Great Basilica is a must see in Quito. Optional steps to the tower.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Terry C
Oklahoma City, OK93 contributions
Great views from the top
Solo
From a distance, this is of course part of the Quito landscape. Beautiful. Up close, you see that where one might expect gargoyles on more classical cathedrals or churches, this has different local animals from nearby. Really different and interesting. Unless you show up for the early mass, there is a slight charge for admission to the interior (ws it a couple bucks?). And while the space is grand, there are more ornate churches in Quito. But, what you can get here for an additional small fee, is admission to the bell tower, which has an awesome view. This I would definitely recommend. Of course, you need to manage a lot of stairs, some small, tight and narrow spiral stairs. And close to the top of the building, you decide which tower to go up. I went up both, and the views are different, and they each have their own little shop of souvenirs (and one a small coffee shop), so I would do both. And you can see the space above the ceiling too, which is an interesting behind the scenes look. And in one place you are very close to the beautiful rose window, and farther up the backside of the clock. Worth the view.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
adamreebel
Cleveland, OH164 contributions
One of the 7 wonders of Ecuador
This cathedral is a flagship icon of Quito. Explore this stunning piece of art for several hours including all the way up in all towers and a catwalk across the ceiling to get a birds eye view of Quito. $2 entrance for all towers and another $2 for the sanctuary accesss.
Written February 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gregory W
Mankato, MN3,065 contributions
2 Thumbs Up!
It's a short hike up hill from the historic center, but Basilica del Voto Nacional is radiant. She reigns supreme above all other churches and religious spaces in the city and worth a visit. There are places to eat in the courtyard behind the church as well as buy souvenirs. It's marketed toward tourists, though still worth a visit. Be sure to walk around the outside of the building to view the "gargoyles" as they reflect animals in the Amazon and surrounding region.
Written January 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim J
California25 contributions
Unique and Stunning
A visit to Quito must include the relatively modern Basilica del Voto Nacional. Construction began in the late 19th century and continues today (tho you really cannot tell). Do not miss the courtyard and it’s layered patios. Also be sure to check out the gargoyles (spouts) that honor the unique Amazonian creatures, Galapagos creatures, and birds of Ecuador. Climb to the top of the towers and stand behind the clocks or get a stunning view of the bowl of Quito. Get tix for the extra admission (cheap, like $5 max) across the courtyard from the entrance to the towers.
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
scoopC5
Riverview, FL310 contributions
Beautiful Basilica!
Couples
Very interesting location. Beautiful areas throughout church with most having areas with flowers adorning them.
This church is still being built and one can see multiple locations where statues can be placed when they raise the money.
Inside you can easily see the new and old part of this church. Italian design apparent.
Worth a stop.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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