Plaza de la Independencia, Quito

Name: Plaza de la Independencia
Address: Quito, Ecuador

#9 among attractions in Quito

Park, Relax in park, Top attraction

Gallery (9)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Diego Delso / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / David Adam Kess / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Paulo JC Nogueira / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Christer T Johansson / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / David C. S. / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / Byron.calisto / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / GFDL / Sporti / URL

Facts and practical information

Plaza de la Independencia, also known as Plaza Grande, is the historic heart of Quito, Ecuador. This iconic park is not just a verdant space for relaxation and social gatherings but also a monumental testament to Ecuador's journey towards sovereignty. The plaza is surrounded by significant architecture, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Carondelet Palace – the seat of the government, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Municipal Palace.

The central feature of the Plaza de la Independencia is the Independence Monument, which was erected to commemorate the heroes of the August 10, 1809, uprising against Spanish rule. This was the first ever attempt at independence in Latin America, making the square not only a scenic spot but also a place of profound historical significance.

The stately park serves as both a focal point for public celebrations and a serene oasis in the midst of Quito's bustling city life. Visitors can often see locals enjoying the shade of the palm trees, feeding the ever-present pigeons, or engaging in lively conversations. The plaza is also a hub for political demonstrations and cultural events, reflecting the active civic spirit of Quito's residents.

Alternative names: Elevation: 9272 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 0°13'12"S, 78°30'44"W

Address

Centro Histórico (González Suárez)Quito Ecuador

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Quito

Day trips

Plaza de la Independencia – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Carondelet Palace, Church of la Compañía de Jesús, Church and Convent of St. Francis, Cathedral of Quito.

~230 ftNW
Palace, Baroque architecture
Carondelet Palace, Quito
2 min walk • Carondelet Palace, nestled in the heart of Quito, Ecuador, stands as a historic emblem of the nation's political landscape. This grandiose palace has been the official residence of the President of Ecuador since the early 19th century.
~680 ftW
Church, Baroque architecture, Historical place
Church of la Compañía de Jesús, Quito
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Quito, Ecuador, the Church of la Compañía de Jesús stands as a magnificent testament to Baroque architecture in South America. Located in the historic center of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the church is often hailed as one of the...
~1210 ftW
Church, Historical place
Church and Convent of St. Francis, Quito
6 min walk • The Church and Convent of St. Francis, located in the heart of Quito, Ecuador, stands as an imposing example of the city's rich religious and architectural heritage. Known locally as 'El San Francisco', this monumental complex is one of the most significant religious...
~280 ftS
Church, Historical place
Cathedral of Quito, Quito
2 min walk • The Cathedral of Quito, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, is a historic church located in the heart of Quito, Ecuador. As one of the most significant religious buildings in the city, it stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural...
~310 ftSW
Church, Sacred and religious sites, Architecture
Iglesia de El Sagrario, Quito
2 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Quito, Ecuador, stands the magnificent Iglesia de El Sagrario, a church that embodies the rich religious heritage and architectural grandeur of the city. This historic church is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and artistic vision of...
~360 ftW
Museum, History museum
Alberto Mena Caamaño Museum, Quito
2 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Quito, Ecuador, the Alberto Mena Caamaño Museum offers a unique window into the country's rich history and cultural heritage. This esteemed institution is a must-visit for history buffs and art enthusiasts exploring the capital city.
~1520 ftSW
Museum, History museum, Specialty museum
Museo de la Ciudad, Quito
8 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, the Museo de la Ciudad offers a deep dive into the rich history and culture of this Andean city. Housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century hospital, the museum stands as a testament to Quito's past, presenting...
~1340 ftS
Museum, Military museum
Sucre House, Quito
7 min walk • Sucre House, nestled in the heart of Quito, Ecuador, is a cultural beacon that beckons history enthusiasts and art lovers alike. This historical gem functions as a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the legacy of Antonio José de Sucre, a key figure in the...
~450 ftW
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Centro Cultural Metropolitano, Quito
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Quito, Ecuador, the Centro Cultural Metropolitano stands as a testament to the city's rich historical tapestry and its commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage. This distinguished museum, located in the UNESCO World...
~280 ftSE
City hall
Municipality of Quito, Quito
2 min walk • Nestled within the heart of the Andean capital, the Municipality of Quito serves as the administrative and political hub of this vibrant city, which is also the capital of Ecuador. This city hall is not just a place of governance but an emblem of Quito's rich history...
~1470 ftW
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Casa del Alabado Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, Quito
8 min walk • Nestled in the historic center of Quito, Ecuador, the Casa del Alabado Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is a cultural gem that offers visitors a profound glimpse into the ancient civilizations of the Americas. This esteemed museum is housed in a beautifully restored...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Plaza de la Independencia?

Nearby attractions include Palacio Arzobispal, Quito (2 min walk), Carondelet Palace, Quito (2 min walk), Cathedral of Quito, Quito (2 min walk), Municipality of Quito, Quito (2 min walk).

How to get to Plaza de la Independencia by public transport?

The nearest stations to Plaza de la Independencia:

Trolleybus

Plaza Chica • Lines: C1, C4 (3 min walk)
Plaza del Teatro • Lines: C1, C4 (7 min walk)

Train

San Francisco (5 min walk)
La Alameda (22 min walk)

Metro

San Francisco • Lines: Metro Línea 1 (5 min walk)
La Alameda • Lines: Metro Línea 1 (22 min walk)

Bus

Marin • Lines: Condor Mirador-155, Latina-068, Transporsel-097, Transzeta-152 (6 min walk)
Centro Historic • Lines: Quitumbe-008 (7 min walk)