Seven tons of gold. Imagine that amount adorning the walls and ceilings of a single church. That is La Compañía, or the Church of the Society of Jesus.
Welcome to one of Quito’s most breathtaking landmarks. La Compañía stands as a testament to Spanish Baroque architecture. Its construction spanned 160 years from 1605 to 1765. Jesuit architects began the ambitious project. They envisioned a clerical complex that would reflect the grandeur of their order.
As you stand before La Compañía, notice the ornate facade. It is entirely carved in volcanic stone. The intricate details hint at the treasures within. Step inside and prepare to be amazed.
Every surface shimmers with gold. Solid gold leaf covers the walls and columns. Parapets and ceilings glow. It feels like standing inside a giant disco ball. The sheer opulence is overwhelming.
La Compañía’s design was inspired by two Jesuit temples in Rome. These are Il Gesù and San Ignacio. However, the architects incorporated unique elements. These reflect Ecuadorian culture. Look closely and you’ll spot native flora. You may even see symbols of ancestral peoples hidden in the pillars. This blending of styles reflects the syncretism of the era. It was a way to encourage indigenous people to embrace the church.
The church features 56 sculptures and 44 oil paintings. Nicolas Javier de Goríbar created “16 Prophets”. Bernardo de Legarda sculpted the Holy Trinity. Paintings depicting Hell and the Final Judgment flank the main entrance.
The organ boasts 1104 pipes. Its sound must be heavenly. Gaze at the spiral staircases beside it. The pulpit is also a marvel. It looks like a wizard’s hat. The original 17th-century oak benches are deliberately uncomfortable. This design prevented worshippers from falling asleep during mass.
Most extraordinary of all is the altar. Saints and angels adorn it. Biblical scenes and patterns create a mesmerizing display. A dome of celestial blue tops the altar. The twelve apostles surround it. A strategically placed mirror helps you see every detail of the dome.
La Compañía is rich with legend. Ecuador’s first saint, Mariana de Jesús, is buried here. She sacrificed her life to halt earthquakes in 1645. Three days after praying in La Compañía, she fell ill and died. The earthquakes stopped.
There’s also the tale of La Dolorosa. This is a painting of the Virgin Mary. In 1906, a father and son saw her eyes open. The version here is a copy. It still holds the eeriness of the original.
In 1996, a fire damaged the altar. An overheated lamp started it. The church closed for ten years. When it reopened, one angel’s face remained charred. It serves as a reminder of the destruction.
La Compañía is more than a church. It is a masterpiece of art and architecture. It represents centuries of history. As you leave, carry with you the memory of its golden splendor. Remember the stories and legends that make La Compañía so unique.