La Circasiana

Hidden within Quito’s vibrant heart lies La Circasiana, a palace more captivating than its grand facade suggests. La Circasiana began as a simple quinta, a weekend retreat for the wealthy Jijón family. Manuel Jijón y Larrea, a prominent Quito landowner, commissioned the original structure in the late 19th century. The location, in the indigenous area of Santa Clara de San Millán, offered respite from the bustling city center. His wife, Dolores Caamaño y Almada, christened the estate “La Circasiana,” drawing inspiration from the Circassian women of the Transcaucasus region, renowned for their beauty. She believed her palace was equally stunning. The initial structure reflected the popular Beaux-Arts style, featuring a mansard roof and intricate interior details. Murals by renowned Ecuadorian artists Joaquín Pinto and Juan Manosalvas adorned the walls, complemented by imported French wallpaper and embossed tin ceilings from Philadelphia. The surrounding gardens, designed in the English style, offered a tranquil escape. Jacinto Jijón y Caamaño, the family’s sole heir, expanded La Circasiana in the 1920s, transforming it into the magnificent palace we see today. German architect Francisco Schmidt, known for his monumental neoclassical works in Quito’s historic center, oversaw this expansion. He added a rectangular wing, enclosing a central courtyard with one of Quito’s first heated swimming pools. This addition introduced grand social spaces, including the Hall of Shields and the Hall of Honor, reflecting Jacinto’s prominent political career. He served as a key figure in the Conservative Party, even running for president in 1940, and later becoming Quito’s first popularly elected mayor. La Circasiana became a hub for political gatherings. Jacinto also established a private museum and a library on the grounds, housing his extensive collection of historical documents and artifacts. La Circasiana remained the family’s residence until it was sold to the Municipality of Quito in 1992. Today, La Circasiana is home to the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, tasked with preserving Ecuador’s rich history. The palace has undergone extensive renovations, and now offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Quito’s elite during the early 20th century. La Circasiana stands as a testament to the Jijón family’s legacy, a blend of architectural grandeur and historical significance in the heart of Quito.