“Arrived at Casa Angelita” declared the driver. Those words opened a portal to a slice of Quito’s rich history. Before you stands Casa Angelita. It is more than just a building. It is a living testament to Quito’s vibrant past.
Casa Angelita’s story is intertwined with the history of Quito itself. Its location is on a unique corner across from the Plaza de San Francisco. This square is over 500 years old. The iconic Cathedral of St. Francis stands there. Construction began around 1537. The cathedral was completed around 1680. Both the Cathedral and Plaza San Francisco are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Casa Angelita is known by many Quiteños as the Gangotena Palace. The estate has existed for centuries. It remains an icon of Spanish architecture. Its lavish interior décor is reminiscent of Neo-Renaissance palaces. These palaces can be found in France and Italy.
In the late 17th century, the Spanish-descending Jijón and Gangotena families owned the mansion. Several generations lived in the home. They had the distinct advantage of being steps away from the Cathedral.
From 1880 to 1950, Don Enrique Gangotena y Jijón brought the mansion to new heights. This included its external architecture and the spectacular interior décor. There were French lamps, fine carpets, mirrors and art pieces from Europe and Asia. Paintings and sculptures of the famous Quiteño School of Religious Art were also added.
During the early years of the Republic of Ecuador, the family’s influence was considerable. Casa Angelita became the epicenter of political encounters. It became the preferred venue of Quito’s emerging elite society. This was especially true during the first half of the 1900s.
Casa Angelita fell into decline. Eventually it was purchased by Roque Sevilla, a former mayor of Quito. He had visited the building for tea parties as a child. He reopened it in 2010 as a luxury boutique hotel. The Casa Angelita had been restored.
Every guest who passes through Casa Angelita becomes part of its narrative. The building stands as a reminder. Quito’s history is not just in books. It lives in its buildings. Casa Angelita is a reminder of the past. It is a place where the echoes of history resonate. It is a place where you can feel the pulse of Quito’s cultural identity.