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Benalcazar Statue

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Beneath the gaze of Sebastián de Benalcazar’s statue, a story unfolds. The Benalcazar Statue dominates the plaza, a bronze figure astride a horse. This isn’t just any statue. It’s a window into the turbulent times of conquest and the founding of Quito. Sebastián de Benalcazar, born Sebastián Moyano y Cabrera around 1490, wasn’t just a conquistador. He was a city builder. In 1534, he claimed Quito for Spain, defeating Inca general Rumiñahui. Benalcazar, along with Diego de Almagro and Baltasar Maldonado, established the city we know today, naming it “San Francisco de Quito” to honor Francisco Pizarro. The Benalcazar Statue commemorates this pivotal moment. Benalcazar’s ambition didn’t stop at Quito. He pushed north into present-day Colombia, founding Cali, Pasto, and Popayán. His drive for power led to land disputes and even the execution of a rival governor, Jorge Robledo. Convicted in absentia and sentenced to death, Benalcazar died of natural causes in Cartagena in 1551 before his sentence could be carried out. The Benalcazar Statue stands as a reminder of a complex historical figure, a man who shaped the destiny of this region.

After discovering the story of Benalcazar Statue in Quito, you may wonder how to explore even more. Explory makes it simple: our digital Quito guide connects culture, history, and unique experiences. With the interactive Quito city guide, you can dive deeper into the local atmosphere and follow curated routes that turn your visit into a memorable Quito city tour. Explory is designed for authentic Quito exploration. Each Quito guide highlights iconic places and uncovers Quito hidden gems that many visitors never find. With the immersive Quito audio guide, stories and sounds bring every step to life. Our flexible Quito city guide makes it easy to plan routes, discover landmarks, and enjoy storytelling that connects you with the city. Whether your passion is art, history, or local culture, Explory ensures your Quito city tour is unique. With a strong focus on Quito exploration and surprising Quito hidden gems, Explory gives you more than sightseeing – it creates real discovery. Download the Explory App to expand your journey. Discover more than 300 cities and over 500,000 POIs and stories worldwide. Whether you need a Quito guide, a reliable Quito audio guide, or a flexible Quito city tour, Explory is your key to travel differently.

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