San Francisco Church also known as el San Francisco is located in the Quito, Ecuador. Its founder was Jodoco Ricke who was a Franciscan missionary. The structure of the church has the world’s largest architectural ensemble among the historical structures belonging to Latin America known as” EI Escorial of the New World”. Its construction started after the discovery of the city in 1534 and was completed in 1604.
The church consists of three main sections namely Public Square, Courtyard, church and its chapels. The total area covered by the church, including the convent, is three hectares. Winery, Chapterhouse and refectory are three cloister galleries that extend from the main axis of the church. The main facade of the church is designed with Mannerist elements that soon became a famous style in the rest of continent. In the interior part of the church lie the nave, high altar and chapels. The church includes over 3,500 artworks and most notable are those belonging to Quito School of art. Virgin of Quito is a 18th century sculpture that is famous among various artifacts. There is also a magnificentFranciscan library known as the best Viceroyalty of Peru in 17th century.
Image Source : MountainSofTravelPhotos