Iglesia del Barco / La Ferroviaria

Have you ever wondered about a church that resembles a ship, yet wasn’t designed to? Right here before us stands the Iglesia del Barco, also known as La Ferroviaria. It’s a fascinating structure with an equally captivating history. The Iglesia del Barco wasn’t always meant to evoke the image of a vessel. It was built in 1964 as a simple oratory. Its purpose was to serve the workers near the Chimbacalle railway station. The unique design wasn’t a symbolic choice, but rather a reflection of the preferences of Father Carolo. He was the vicar of the southern zone in the 1960s. The architect, whose name is lost to time, simply catered to Father Carolo’s taste. Today, the Iglesia del Barco, with its ship-like silhouette, stands as a unique landmark in Quito. It serves as a center for religious worship. The church holds services Wednesday through Saturday at 6:00 PM and on Sundays at 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 6:30 PM. Interestingly, the El Recreo station of the Quito Metro is just a short walk away. This makes the Iglesia del Barco easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The church’s location near the Plaza Cívica Eloy Alfaro also provides opportunities for attending various events. Some events are free, while others are private. So, as you gaze upon the Iglesia del Barco, remember its humble beginnings as a worker’s oratory. Appreciate its accidental resemblance to a ship, a quirk of architectural design. And know that within its walls, the spirit of faith and community thrives, just as it did for the railway workers of the past.