The interior gold ornamentation covers approximately 52 kilograms of 23-karat gold leaf.
The church's facade was carved by indigenous artisans who incorporated elements of their own cosmology into the colonial baroque design.
The architectural style is heavily influenced by the Church of the Gesù in Rome.
The building was constructed using volcanic stone blocks from the nearby Pichincha volcano.
The cupola, which provides natural light to the high altar, was the first of its kind built in Quito.
The church contains the crypt and remains of Mariana de Jesús, the patron saint of Quito.
The Church of the Society of Jesus, or La Compañía, is widely considered the most ornate example of baroque architecture in South America. Its interior is characterized by an extensive use of gold leaf, gilded wood, and intricate plasterwork covering almost every surface. Construction began in 1605 and spanned 160 years, resulting in a design that incorporates mudéjar, baroque, and neoclassical elements. The central nave features a barrel-vaulted ceiling adorned with elaborate wood carvings coated in 23-karat gold leaf. The facade is carved from grey volcanic stone and features Solomonic columns. The church is situated in the historic center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It serves as an active religious site while functioning as a major cultural landmark managed by the Fundación Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. The architectural layout reflects the Jesuit emphasis on preaching, characterized by a broad nave designed for acoustic clarity.
The exterior facade provides the best photographic opportunity, as interior photography is prohibited.
Bring a small flashlight or use a high-quality camera to capture the fine details of the gold-leaf carvings in the dim interior.
Focus on the ceiling patterns, as the level of detail is highest at the top of the nave.
Book a guided tour if available to access specific historical background not provided by the on-site signage.
Avoid taking photographs inside, as security staff strictly enforces the no-camera policy. Do not miss the small side chapels, which contain different artistic styles than the main nave.
Closed on Mondays for regular maintenance.
Modest dress is required; ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main nave to preserve the artwork.
