Quito Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / November 19, 2024
Quito Then
Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, has a rich historical legacy that dates back to its time as a market center and political frontier before the Inca Empire’s conquest.
The Inca fortification of Quito solidified its importance as a key settlement in the empire.
In 1534, Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar, under the command of Francisco Pizarro, took control of the city, marking the beginning of Spanish colonial rule.
He established a municipal government on December 6, 1534, which is still celebrated today as Founder’s Day with a weeklong festival.
For centuries, Quito remained the political, social, and economic heart of Ecuador, until the early 20th century when economic influence shifted to Guayaquil.
Despite this shift, Quito continues to hold the position of Ecuador’s political and cultural center, and a rivalry with Guayaquil persists, particularly in terms of national identity and regional power.
Quito History
Quito, Ecuador’s capital, has a deep historical and cultural legacy, with the earliest traces of human presence discovered in the 1960s by American archaeologist Robert E. Bell on the slopes of the Ilaló volcano.
Tools made of obsidian, dating back to 8000 BC, were found at the EI Inga site, which marked the beginning of the area’s long history of human settlement.
Another significant archaeological site is in Cotocollao, where a prehistoric village was discovered.
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The village, dated to around 1500 BC, covered over 26 hectares and contained burials, pottery, and evidence of trade, particularly in obsidian, which was exported to coastal regions.
These early findings shed light on the complex societies that existed in the region long before the Inca Empire.
The historical narrative of Quito also includes the mysterious Kingdom of Quito, as described by priest Juan de Velasco, although many historians today question its existence, viewing it as more of a legend.
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Archaeological evidence suggests that the Quitu people, one of the region’s prominent tribes, had a distinct culture and architectural style, different from their neighbors.
While the Quitu tribe ruled Quito during the Inca invasion, their influence was part of a fragmented cultural landscape rather than a unified kingdom.
Further archaeological discoveries, such as 20-meter-deep tombs in the La Florida neighborhood dating to AD 800, have revealed the advanced craftsmanship and complex funerary practices of the Quitu people.
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The Museo de Sitio La Florida, established in 2010, helps preserve and explain these remarkable discoveries.
Quito’s colonial legacy is still evident in its architecture, with narrow streets, balconied houses, and grand churches surrounded by volcanoes.
The city’s colonial-era religious art, including wooden sculptures and paintings, flourished during the Spanish colonial period.
Notable churches like La Compañía, San Francisco, and Santo Domingo are admired for their intricate Baroque designs and historical significance.
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Despite the threat of earthquakes, many of these buildings remain intact, offering a glimpse into Quito’s past.
The city’s rich cultural heritage is further preserved in various museums, including the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, and the Casa de la Cultura, which houses important collections of art and history.
In the 20th century, Quito became more connected to the rest of the country and the world.
The completion of the Guayaquil-Quito railway in 1908 and the construction of an international airport linked the city to the coast and beyond.
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As one of Ecuador’s two major industrial centers, Quito produces textiles, pharmaceuticals, and crafts, while also serving as an important commercial hub.
The city’s economy has shifted northward with the development of new financial and corporate districts, although the old town remains vital.
Quito’s rich cultural traditions, such as its weekly Indian markets and vibrant craft fairs, continue to be a hallmark of the city, reflecting its unique blend of ancient heritage and modern development.
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Quito Now
Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, has an estimated population of 2.8 million in its metropolitan area and serves as the capital of the province of Pichincha.
Situated in a valley on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes, Quito’s location provides it with a stunning and unique landscape.
At an elevation of 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), Quito ranks as either the highest or second-highest capital city in the world.
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If La Paz, Bolivia, is considered the national capital, it holds the title of the highest; however, if Sucre is chosen as the capital, Quito is the highest, reflecting the varied status of Bolivia’s capitals.
As the political and cultural hub of Ecuador, Quito houses the majority of the country’s governmental, administrative, and cultural institutions.
The city is home to the headquarters of many transnational companies operating within Ecuador, solidifying its importance in both national and international affairs.
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Additionally, Quito is one of Ecuador’s two major industrial centers, alongside the port city of Guayaquil.
This central role in politics, culture, and industry makes Quito a focal point of the country’s economy and governance.
In recent years, Quito has focused on modernizing and improving its infrastructure.
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The city’s historic center has undergone significant renovations since 2002, preserving its colonial heritage while enhancing its functionality.
One notable change was the closure of the old airport, which was built on land reclaimed from a lagoon, in 2013.
This area has since been transformed into the Parque Bicentenario (Bicentenary Park), contributing to the city’s urban renewal.
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A new airport, the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, opened on February 20, 2013, 45 minutes from the city center, offering more capacity and modern amenities for air traffic.
To address growing transportation needs, Quito has also invested in public transit.
In the early 2000s, the city constructed the Metrobus (Ecovia), a bus rapid transit system that spans from the north to the south of the city.
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Significant improvements in the city’s road network, including the extension of avenues, construction of depressed passages, and geometric restructuring of roads, have improved traffic flow.
More recently, Quito introduced a subway system, with the first line opening on December 1, 2023, providing residents with a new and efficient way to navigate the city.
These infrastructure upgrades are vital to supporting Quito’s growth and improving the quality of life for its residents.
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FAQs
No, Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, located in South America, not in the USA.
Quito is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any large city, it’s important to exercise caution, especially in certain areas.
Staying aware of your surroundings and following local safety advice is recommended.
Quito is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture, being a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its stunning location in the Andes at high elevation. It’s also a cultural and political center of Ecuador.
While Spanish is the official language of Quito, English is spoken in some tourist areas, but it’s not widely used in everyday interactions. Learning basic Spanish phrases can be helpful for visitors.