“A child’s final resting place,” our guide began, his voice barely above a whisper, “that’s how Cementerio El Batán began its story.” We stood before the gates of Cementerio El Batán, Quito’s prominent resting place, the air heavy with the scent of flowers and the weight of years. Established in 1943 by the Sociedad Funeraria Nacional, the cemetery opened its gates with the burial of little Eduardo González, a child who lived only five hours. His tiny grave, located in the First Allotment, Field D, Lot 149, marks the beginning of El Batán’s long history. The cemetery isn’t just a place for the departed; it’s a reflection of Quito’s social tapestry. While people from various social classes rest here, it’s predominantly the middle and upper classes who have found their final resting place within its walls. Among the notable figures are former President Galo Plaza Lasso and his wife, Rosario Pallares Zaldumbide. Their tombs reside in Field B, Lot 235, amongst the oldest graves in Cementerio El Batán. Nearby lies Ecuadorian author Jorge Icaza, his tombstone simply marked “Huasipungo,” the title of his most famous work. Educator Odilo Aguilar also rests near this presidential pair. The architecture of Cementerio El Batán tells a story of evolving times. Originally designed as a garden-style cemetery with ground burials, its early aesthetic leaned towards Art Deco and early modernism. From the 1960s onwards, however, space became a premium. The cemetery began constructing multi-story niche buildings, primarily in the International Style, to accommodate more burials. There are currently 22 such buildings. A contemporary building was added in the 2000s, further expanding the cemetery’s capacity and providing columbariums, offices, and viewing rooms. Cementerio El Batán’s presence also influenced the development of the surrounding area. Smaller cemeteries, like the German Cemetery, the Jewish Cemetery, and the Memorial Necropolis, have sprung up nearby, creating a unique funerary complex within the urban fabric of Quito.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to