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| Plaza Grande (Quito) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Plaza Grande |
| Native name | Plaza de la Independencia |
| Location | Quito, Ecuador |
| Type | Public square |
| Created | 16th century |
Plaza Grande (Quito) is the principal public square in the historic center of Quito, Ecuador, formally known as the Plaza de la Independencia. The square is flanked by major institutions such as the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Municipal Palace, and it functions as a focal point for political ceremonies, religious processions, and tourist itineraries in Quito and Ecuador.
The plaza dates to the Spanish colonial foundation of Quito in the 16th century after the conquest led by Sebastián de Benalcázar and subsequent urban planning influenced by Laws of the Indies and the administrative structures of the Viceroyalty of Peru and later the Real Audiencia of Quito. Throughout the colonial period the square hosted civic rituals tied to the Catholic Church, including processions of the Archdiocese of Quito and events involving figures like San Francisco de Quito artists and confraternities connected to the Society of Jesus. In the era of independence the plaza became a stage for proclamations associated with the Independence of Quito (September 10, 1809) and later military and political episodes connected to leaders such as Antonio José de Sucre and institutions tied to the Gran Colombia period. During the Republican era the square has been remodeled several times under municipal authorities associated with the Municipality of Quito and national administrations including actions during presidencies comparable to Eloy Alfaro and Gabriel García Moreno. Restoration and preservation campaigns in the late 20th and early 21st centuries involved collaboration among heritage organizations like UNESCO and Ecuadorian agencies concerned with the Quito, Historic Center conservation efforts.
The square's rectilinear plan follows Spanish colonial norms laid down by the Laws of the Indies, with arcaded facades and an open plaza framed by monumental buildings such as the Carondelet Palace (Presidential Palace), the Archbishop's Palace, Quito, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, and the Municipal Palace of Quito. The plaza surface features paving that reflects restoration projects influenced by historicism and conservation principles promoted by organizations that worked on the Historic Centre of Quito World Heritage Site inscription. Elements such as the central monument, period street lamps, and landscaped areas reference urban design precedents seen in plazas like Plaza Mayor (Lima) and Plaza de la Constitución (Bogotá), while architectural vocabularies exhibit baroque, neoclassical, and republican motifs akin to works by colonial sculptors and architects active in the Royal Audience of Quito region. The spatial arrangement facilitates processional axes toward religious sites like the Church of the Society of Jesus and civic approaches to executive spaces within the Carondelet Palace.
As the seat of the Presidency of Ecuador within the Carondelet Palace, the plaza functions as a locus for national ceremonies, presidential inaugurations, diplomatic receptions, and protests involving political parties, labor unions, and social movements present in Ecuadorian public life. Municipal activities by the Municipality of Quito and cultural programming linked to the Instituto Nacional de Patrimonio Cultural and civic commemorations for events such as Independence of Quito (September 10, 1809) give the plaza ongoing ceremonial gravity. The space has also been a gathering point for demonstrations responding to policies by administrations and for solidarity rallies associated with international causes connected to organizations like Inter-American Development Bank forums and regional summits involving states of the Andean Community.
The plaza hosts religious festivals tied to the Archdiocese of Quito calendar, including Holy Week processions that intersect with liturgical practices from the Catholic Church and local confraternities. Civic commemorations mark anniversaries of the Independence of Quito (September 10, 1809) and national holidays such as Ecuadorian Independence Day, with military parades occasionally staged by units of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces. Cultural programming includes concerts and exhibitions organized by municipal cultural departments, collaborations with institutions like the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, and performances by groups connected to the National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador and traditional ensembles that revive indigenous and mestizo repertoires from regions represented by provinces such as Pichincha and Imbabura.
Clockwise from the north, the plaza is bounded by the Carondelet Palace (executive seat), the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito (cathedral church), the Archbishop's Palace, Quito (ecclesiastical residence), and the Municipal Palace of Quito (city hall). Nearby landmarks within the Historic Centre of Quito include the Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía), the San Francisco Church and Convent, the La Ronda street, and institutional sites such as the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana and the Central Bank of Ecuador historic headquarters. Museums within walking distance include the Museo de la Ciudad, the Museum of Colonial Art, and collections that feature works by painters like Miguel de Santiago and sculptors from Quito's colonial school.
Visitors approach the plaza via pedestrian routes from Old Town, Quito thoroughfares and public transport linked to nodes such as the Marín Street corridor and taxi services regulated by the Municipality of Quito. Guided tours offered by local operators often combine the plaza with visits to the La Compañía church, the Capilla del Hombre environs associated with Oswaldo Guayasamín legacy sites, and viewpoints like El Panecillo. Practical considerations include peak visitation during holidays tied to Ecuadorian Independence Day and Holy Week; security and visitor services coordinated by municipal authorities and cultural institutions provide information at nearby visitor centers and museums. The plaza remains central to itineraries promoted by national tourism entities and international tour operators calling attention to the Historic Centre of Quito World Heritage designation.
Category:Quito Category:Plazas in Ecuador Category:Historic Centre of Quito