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Street of the Seven Crosses
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The ‘Street of the Seven Crosses’ is more officially known as Calle García Moreno. It runs north-south through the heart of the Old Town.
Interestingly, this was the Incas’ and Quitus’ (the pre-Incan tribe who inhabited the valley) most important thoroughfare. It linked two sacred hills: Yavirak, what is now called the Panecillo topped with the winged Virgin, and the hill of San Juan, where temples to the sun and moon, respectively, looked down on the settlement.
It is known as the ‘Street of the Seven Crosses’ since it is marked by seven stone crosses placed by the Spanish along its length to drive home their Christian message to the newly-conquered tribes.
It is one of the most fascinating streets in the city, since it connects these two hills with the heart of Ecuadorian power today: the Plaza de la Independencia, or Plaza Grande. It passes right in front of the Presidential Palace.
It also affords one of the best views to be enjoyed in the city, particularly if approached from the north. For the best experience head to the intersection of García Moreno and Carchi, up from the Basílica, and then walk downhill from there.
(The photo used on this page was taken at the intersection of Calle Guayaquil.)
Interestingly, this was the Incas’ and Quitus’ (the pre-Incan tribe who inhabited the valley) most important thoroughfare. It linked two sacred hills: Yavirak, what is now called the Panecillo topped with the winged Virgin, and the hill of San Juan, where temples to the sun and moon, respectively, looked down on the settlement.
It is known as the ‘Street of the Seven Crosses’ since it is marked by seven stone crosses placed by the Spanish along its length to drive home their Christian message to the newly-conquered tribes.
It is one of the most fascinating streets in the city, since it connects these two hills with the heart of Ecuadorian power today: the Plaza de la Independencia, or Plaza Grande. It passes right in front of the Presidential Palace.
It also affords one of the best views to be enjoyed in the city, particularly if approached from the north. For the best experience head to the intersection of García Moreno and Carchi, up from the Basílica, and then walk downhill from there.
(The photo used on this page was taken at the intersection of Calle Guayaquil.)
