“Ever wonder where Quito’s archbishop hangs his hat?” I ask. Right here at the Palacio Arzobispal. This palatial building stands proudly on the north side of the Plaza de la Independencia. It is located on the corner of Chile and Venezuela streets. The Palacio Arzobispal is the seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Quito. It serves as the official residence for the Archbishop of Quito. He is also the Primate of Ecuador.
Imagine stepping back in time. After Quito’s founding in 1534, parish priests lived in houses around the cathedral. Then in 1546, the Bishopric of Quito was established. The bishop’s palace found its home here on the northeastern flank of the Plaza Mayor.
Look closely at the Palacio Arzobispal. Architect Antonio García modified the original construction in 1775. He brought European neoclassical forms to the palace. Notice the triangular finishes and Vatican coat of arms on the left. The coat of arms of the Archbishopric of Quito is on the right. These details reflect García’s influence. In the 20th century, a restoration altered some original elements. In 1978, the structure was reinforced and electrical and plumbing systems were updated.
Consider the structure of the Palacio Arzobispal. An arcade serves as a covered space between the palace and the plaza. Pass through the gate to a large stone courtyard. A carved stone fountain sits in the center. Four two-story wings surround the courtyard. The staircase and archbishop’s chapel are located on the western side. Access to the chapel is restricted.
Admire the neoclassical design of the Palacio Arzobispal. Arches and galleries adorn the interior. A colonnaded balcony sits above the portal on the main floor. Two solid structures flank the facade. Windows punctuate the upper floor. Arches open to the portal on the ground floor. Triangular crowns top these structures displaying the arms of the Vatican and the Archdiocese of Quito. A covered gallery with cylindrical columns acts as an exterior balcony.
Picture the archbishop’s office. It sits in the center of the western wing on the second floor. You can reach it via the palace’s main staircase. The entrance to the archbishop’s and bishopric’s offices is open to the public.
The archbishop’s chapel holds treasures of the Quito art school dating from the 16th to 19th centuries. It is located in the western wing. Only trade, liturgical, and ecclesiastical authorities can enter. It is the administrative seat of the Government of the Secular Clergy.
Don’t miss the Archdiocesan Library of Quito. It dates back to 1545. This library holds valuable historical information in 15 sections. These sections include Ecclesiastical Government and Sacred Orders. You will also find information about Seminaries and Religious Doctrinal matters. Other sections cover Brotherhoods and Matrimonial issues. Civil trials and Parish inventories are also documented. The collection of González Suárez and periodicals round out the library’s holdings.
Though the archive lacks a specific section on indigenous peoples, the theme is present throughout. Ethnographic information can be found in at least six sections.
The Palacio Arzobispal has served many roles over the centuries. Today it stands as a testament to Quito’s rich history.