Basilica del Voto Nacional

Our first stop was at the Basílica del Voto Nacional, a Roman Catholic church located in the historic centre.  It is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas.  The main church is 140 metres long, 35 metres wide, and 30 metres tall.  The towers are 115 metres tall.   Construction began on July 10, 1892.  Despite being blessed by Pope John Paul II on January 30, 1985, and consecrated on July 12, 1988, the basilica remains technically 'unfinished'.  Local legend says that when the Basílica is completed, the end of the world will come.

Vale pointed out the different animals on each side of the outside of the church.  They represent the four geographic regions of Ecuador - the Andes, the coastal lowlands, the Oriente, and the Galapagos islands.  It's the first time I've seen turtles carved into the tops of church pillars!

We didn't have time during the walking tour to go into the church, so we will probably come back to do that tomorrow.Read more