Gazing up here at the Iglesia San José del Cinto, consider a story of faith etched in stone and spirit. This isn’t just a church. It’s a testament to the enduring power of belief. The Iglesia San José del Cinto stands as a sanctuary. People have venerated the Virgen del Cinto here for generations.
Legend says a woman selling cheese saw the Virgin Mary in a stone. This happened near Lloa. She cried, “Miracle!” and villagers gathered. From that day her sales improved. The Iglesia San José del Cinto was built where the vision appeared. This sacred site draws pilgrims seeking blessings.
The story of the Virgen del Cinto is special. It blends faith with the beauty of this place. Some say Fray Pedro Bedón painted the image of the Virgin. He was an artist from the Quiteña school. People believe the image holds miraculous power.
Every September the faithful walk to the Santuario del Cinto. They start in the Barrio la Mena. The pilgrimage honors the Virgin Mary. Her feast day is September 8. Festivities last from late August to early October.
Legend says Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre left his belt here. He was on his way to the Battle of Pichincha. He entrusted his victory to the Virgin. This story adds to the site’s rich history. The Iglesia San José del Cinto marks where the Virgin appeared.
Look closely at the stones. You may see the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus. Two women and two friars accompany them. A child sits with one of the women. These figures are part of the sacred image.
The Iglesia San José del Cinto offers stunning views. It overlooks southern Quito. You can see the Lloa Valley and the volcanoes around it. It is located on the Loma de Huayrapungo. Huayrapungo means “doors of the wind” in Quechua.
Outside the Iglesia San José del Cinto enjoy local food. Try colada morada with bread. Sample hornado morcillas or caldo de gallina. Quench your thirst with chicha de jora. You can also drink sugarcane juice. Finish with melcochas from Baños or El Quinche.
Visiting the Iglesia San José del Cinto takes about one to two hours. It is located on the Vía al Cinto-Lloa. This sanctuary is more than a building. It’s a living story of faith, community and devotion.