Basilica of the National Vow

The Basilica of the National Vow (Basílica del Voto Nacional) is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas.  The Roman Catholic church towers above all else in the historic district of Quito and can be seen from almost anywhere in Quito.  It is certainly a worthwhile visit even for the non-religious.

The tour takes you past ornately designed stained glass, along a catwalk through the inside of the roof, and up a spire for an expansive view of the city.  For the stair-averse, an elevator can lift you to the roof to catch a view.

Construction took place between 1892 to 1909, although the basilica is still technically unfinished.  Local legend states that the end of the world will come when the church is officially completed.

Let’s hope it remains unfinished, I suppose.