Basilíca del Voto Nacional Quito

Climb the narrow towers at the Basilíca del Voto Nacional in Quito for amazing city views and marvel at the impressive neogothic architecture.

The Basílica del Voto Nacional in Quito is 1 of the most impressive buildings you’ll see in your life. From its huge size, intricate details and beautiful stained glass windows, everything blows your mind.

Perched atop a hill overlooking Quito’s historic centre, you can also enjoy commanding views of the city from the basilica’s spires, which you climb via a winding staircase.

In this quick guide, I’ll summarise everything you need to know to visit the most impressive of Quito’s many religious buildings.

Basílica del Voto Nacional opening times and costs

Firstly, the basilica church, the main building, is open every day 9:00 – 17:30 and the towers are open Monday to Friday 9:00 – 17:00. Climbing the towers and spire to see Quito from above is the best part about visiting the basilica, so you’ll want to be here on a weekday.

A large basilica illuminated by lights sits atop a hill overlooking an urban district at night. This is La Basilíca del Voto Nacional in Quito, Ecuador. — The basilica is lit up at night. This is the view from the rooftop terrace at Community Hostel.

To explore the church it costs adult foreigners $2 US and to climb the towers a further $4 US. Although I think it’s worth paying the separate fees, you can save $2 US as you’ll get views of the inside of the main part from the upper floor on your way to the towers.

Visiting the Basílica del Voto Nacional in Quito

Church

Exploring the main part of the building on the ground floor is where you get the best sense of the basilica’s sheer scale. The tallest part of the main building, the sanctuary (where the Altar stands), is 30 m high.

The inside of a tall cathedral. Sunlight enters through stained glass windows which line the upper walls.

Looking up at the ceiling and huge arches, which tower above you, makes you appreciate just how impressive the building is. The high walls are lined with vibrant stained glass windows too and the colours dance when lit up by sunlight.

I’ve seen 1001 churches, cathedrals and basilicas throughout my travels, but the Basílica del Voto Nacional really stands out as a special religious building.

Sunlight illuminates a series of stained glass windows, which line the upper walls of a large cathedral.

Towers

Climbing the towers is a fun but slightly tricky affair as you need to squeeze your way up a narrow spiralling staircase. I’m not exaggerating when I say I wouldn’t bring a large backpack.

There are a couple of floors in the towers including a souvenir shop and a café, which isn’t a bad spot to enjoy a bite to eat thanks to the views.

There’s also a museum floor with lots of pictures documenting the construction of the basilica, which lasted 101 years from 1887 to 1998.

Twin towers of a large basilica. The towers have detailed architectural adornment and each has a clock face. Between the towers a tall statue can be seen faintly atop a distant hill. This is the Basilica del Voto Nacional in Quito. — You can faintly see La Virgen del Panecillo atop the hill in the distance.

Technically, the building is still considered unfinished and local legend says that when construction is complete the world will end. Maybe it’s better to leave off the finishing touches…

To get to the spire, walk along the roof space (catwalk) – another impressive aspect of the basilica’s design. You’ll emerge on to the roof and can then climb the metal steps. Take it easy here, especially if it’s wet, because these steps are steep.

Views from the towers and spire

You can see several of Quito’s landmarks from the towers, which stand at 115 m and the spire, which is 73 m tall. The spire is my favourite spot thanks to the views of both towers and, between them, La Virgen del Panecillo, a 41 m-tall statue of the Virgin Mary.

A dramatic, cloudy sky illuminated by orange sunlight. A hill and city shrouded in shadow are below the clouds. This is Quito in Ecuador.

But what I like the most about the views is that you can see the topography of the city. It sits on an elevated plateau at the foot of the imposing Pichincha Volcano and clouds roll over the crest of the valley.

The towers of a large basilica. The tower has detailed architectural adornment and a clock face. Behind the tower a tall statue can be seen faintly atop a distant hill. This is the Basilica del Voto Nacional in Quito.

Where to stay in Quito

My accommodation recommendations based on personal experience or excellent ratings across major booking platforms.

Community Hostel: a budget hostel with a fun vibe. There are great views from the rooftop terrace.
Apartamento 32 Juana de Arco: a holiday apartment with all amenities in the historic centre.
Friends Hotel & Rooftop: A mid-range hotel in the historic centre offering veggie and vegan meals.
Hotel La Basílica: A centrally-located, higher-end hotel with beautiful rooms and church views.

Where is the Basílica del Voto Nacional?

The basilica sits on the intersection of the streets Carchi and Venezuela, 8 blocks, or roughly 900 m northeast of the central plaza in the historic centre.

It’s an easy uphill walk from the city centre and the area is generally safe during the day. Going in a taxi will cost around $2 US-$3 US depending on traffic, which there can be lots of.

A large basilica sits atop a hill overlooking an urban district. This is La Basilíca del Voto Nacional in Quito, Ecuador. — Looking towards the basilica from the city centre.

Quito basilica facts

The Basílica del Voto Nacional means Basilica of the National Vow in English.
Father Julio Matovelle (1852 – 1929), a prominent Ecuadorian priest, politician, philosopher and poet conceived the idea for the basilica.
It was constructed between 1887 and 1998, but technically remains unfinished.
French architect Joseph Émile Tarlier (1852 – 1892), who specialised in neo-Gothic buildings, designed the basilica.

It’s the largest basilica in all of the Americas standing 115 m tall (towers), 140 m long and 30 m wide.
Tarlier included grotesques in the form of animals native to the Galapagos Islands, ranging from tortoises to armadillos, which can be seen throughout the building’s exterior.
The basilica was consecrated by the Pope in 1985.

What makes a basilica a basilica?

Basilicas are churches which have been recognised by the Pope as being especially important. The title of basilica is normally given to churches which are historically significant or architecturally extraordinary, but churches with deep spiritual importance may also be deemed basilicas.

A large basilica sits atop a hill overlooking an urban district at sunset. This is La Basilíca del Voto Nacional in Quito, Ecuador. — During a good sunset the basilica lights up a golden orange.

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Enjoy the Basílica del Voto Nacional in Quito

It’s an incredible building which you can’t miss and you only need an hour or so to explore it. If you want to avoid the crowds, then I recommend getting to the basilica in the morning or later in the afternoon closer to the closing time.

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How to Visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional in Quito