Basilica del Voto Nacional - a large building with columns and a clock on the front of it
1 / 10

Basilica del Voto Nacional

4.8
·17k reviews·Quito, Ecuador

A monumental neo-Gothic basilica in Quito, famous for its unfinished state and legendary prophecy, offering incredible city views from its towers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late afternoon

Fewer crowds, golden hour light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Basilica del Voto Nacional - a large building with columns and a clock on the front of it

Basilica del Voto Nacional

Best Time

Weekdays, late afternoon

Fewer crowds, golden hour light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A monumental neo-Gothic basilica in Quito, famous for its unfinished state and legendary prophecy, offering incredible city views from its towers.

4.8
(17k reviews)

"The views at the very top once you pass through the clock tower were great as well."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Tower Ticket is Key

Prioritize the tower ticket; it includes access to the interior and the best city views.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of climbing! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the towers.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Neo-Gothic Architecture

Neo-Gothic Architecture

Marvel at the intricate details of Latin America's largest neo-Gothic church, a stunning architectural feat.

TikTok
Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Ascend the towers for breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Quito, especially magical during sunset.

TikTokReddit
The Angels of the Basilica

The Angels of the Basilica

Discover the unique sculptures of angels adorning the basilica, each with its own story.

TikTok
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

The Legend of the Unfinished Church

A fascinating legend states that the world will end when the Basilica del Voto Nacional is completed. Construction began in 1883 and continues to this day, adding a layer of mystique to your visit. TikTok+1

Navigating the Towers and Views

While the basilica itself is grand, the real draw for many is the panoramic city view from its towers. Be prepared for a climb, as some stairs are steep and narrow. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday evenings
Why
Unique night tours available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Un cementerio ? 😱 #quito_ecuador🇪🇨 #turismoquito #uio #basilicadelvotonacional #arquitectura #neogothic
@tebante3
49.1K likes • 665.6K views

🎟️ Tower Ticket is Key

Prioritize the tower ticket; it includes access to the interior and the best city views. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of climbing! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the towers. Reddit

¿Dónde más han escuchado esta leyenda? Siento que hay muchos lugares que la tienen. No olvides guardar y compartir 🌿 #quito #ecuador #basilica #basilicadelvotonacional #turismoecuador #viajes #viajeros #datoscuriosos #historia #quehacerenecuador #itinerarioecuador
@valeservaliente
37.1K likes • 504.4K views
La iglesia de la Basilica del Voto Nacional 🇪🇨 nos espera este sabado 30 de Agosto para un recorrido unico dentro de la misma 🌖 #basilicadelvotonacional #basilica #quito #quito_ecuador🇪🇨
@quitomagico
26.8K likes • 688.6K views

🌃 Consider a Night Tour

Experience the basilica and city lights from a unique perspective on a special night tour. TikTok+1

⚠️ Be Mindful of Heights

Some narrow stairs and open areas can feel intimidating if you're not comfortable with heights. TikTok

La Basílica del Voto Nacional 🏰, el templo neogótico más grande de América 🌎. Su construcción sigue ‘incompleta’, pues según la leyenda, el día que se termine, Quito caerá. ⛪️⚜️ #quito #ecuador🇪🇨 #creatorsearchinsights #travel #fyp #lugaresmagicos
@matiuxuwu
25.6K likes • 126.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Tower Ticket is Key

Prioritize the tower ticket; it includes access to the interior and the best city views. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of climbing! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the towers. Reddit

🌃 Consider a Night Tour

Experience the basilica and city lights from a unique perspective on a special night tour. TikTok+1

⚠️ Be Mindful of Heights

Some narrow stairs and open areas can feel intimidating if you're not comfortable with heights. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(17k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently awed by the Basilica del Voto Nacional's stunning neo-Gothic architecture and the breathtaking panoramic views from its towers. While the climb can be challenging and some find the intermediate floors with shops a bit unusual, the overall experience is highly recommended for its beauty and unique historical legend. TikTokReddit

"Amazingly beautiful basilica! Sort of a strange layout where on floors 10-13 has shops and cafes which do provide beautiful views but is odd in a historic building. Quite a climb and towards the top is not meant for people with mobility issues, feels a bit unsafe even for younger people honestly. Cannot beat the views of the city and the church is still very beautiful and ornate."

Patrick S

"Pretty inexpensive tourist stop and has great views of the city. The inside is also grand, but the tower and touring the inside are separate fees, which is fine, but I'd just do the tower climb overall since you do get to see the inside of the church as well.

The views at the very top once you pass through the clock tower were great as well."

John Pozo

"This is the best place to see. A different cathedral from historical churches with a different architecture. I spent hours on the towers, so make sure you buy ticket for the tower. Plus, with the tower tour, you will be able to see the beautiful mosaic of this church."

Darpan Jain

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Intricate architecture
Affordable entry fee

What People Dislike

Steep tower stairs
Shops on historic floors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Basilica del Voto Nacional is conveniently located in Quito's historic center. You can easily walk there from many central attractions, or take a short taxi or bus ride. Many guided walking tours of the old town include a stop at the basilica. Reddit

Parking in Quito's historic center can be challenging. It's often easier to use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services, or to walk if you're staying nearby. Reddit

Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Quito and can take you directly to the Basilica del Voto Nacional. This is a convenient option, especially if you're coming from further afield. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are often available, especially for the towers. Some walking tours of Quito's historic center also include the basilica. Check for specific tour operators or inquire on-site. TikTok

From UIO airport, you can pre-book transport into the city, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service. Once in the historic center, you can then walk or take a short ride to the basilica. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission to the basilica is quite inexpensive, often around $2 for locals and $4 for foreigners. However, climbing the towers incurs an additional fee, which is highly recommended. Reddit

While general admission tickets can often be purchased on-site, it's a good idea to check if advance booking is recommended, especially for special night tours or during peak season. TikTok

The tower ticket typically grants you access to climb the towers for panoramic city views and often includes a look at the interior mosaics and architecture. It's considered the best value. Reddit

Yes, there are usually separate fees for general entry and for climbing the towers. Some sources suggest focusing on the tower ticket as it provides a more comprehensive experience. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the most current schedule. Special night tours are also offered on select dates. TikTok+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The most rewarding part for many visitors is climbing the towers for spectacular, unobstructed views of Quito. The unique neo-Gothic architecture is also a major draw. TikTokReddit

The upper levels and towers are not ideal for those with mobility issues due to steep stairs and narrow passages. The lower floors may be more accessible, but it's best to inquire beforehand. Reddit

A popular legend claims that the world will end the day the basilica is finally completed, adding an intriguing historical and mythical element to its ongoing construction. TikTok+1

Interestingly, some floors within the basilica house shops and cafes, which offer great views but can feel a bit unusual within a historic religious building. Reddit

Absolutely! The intricate architecture inside and the sweeping city views from the towers make it a photographer's paradise. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The top of the towers offer unparalleled panoramic shots of Quito. Don't miss capturing the intricate neo-Gothic details inside and the unique angel sculptures. Reddit

While the views are incredible, the stairs to the top can be steep and narrow, requiring careful navigation while carrying camera gear. The open areas at the top offer great vantage points. TikTokReddit

Yes, the tower tour often provides excellent opportunities to photograph the beautiful mosaic work inside the basilica. Reddit

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for both the exterior and interior shots. Sunset from the towers is particularly stunning. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always wise to be respectful of the religious nature of the site. Tripods might be restricted in certain areas. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Basilica del Voto Nacional offers a unique experience for families, blending impressive architecture with a touch of mystery. The legend of the world ending upon completion can spark children's imaginations. TikTok+1 While the tower climb involves steep stairs and may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, older kids might enjoy the adventure and the incredible city views. Reddit Consider focusing on the main basilica areas and the lower tower levels if the full ascent seems too challenging. Pack snacks and water, as exploring can take time. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Basilica del Voto Nacional is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. General admission is very affordable, and even the tower climb comes at a reasonable price, offering significant value for the experience. Reddit You can easily spend a couple of hours here without breaking the bank. Instead of expensive guided tours, consider a self-guided exploration, focusing on the architecture and the views. Reddit For a truly budget-friendly experience, combine your visit with a walk through Quito's historic center, which is largely free to explore. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

This basilica is a dream destination for photographers. The intricate neo-Gothic architecture provides endless opportunities for stunning interior shots, from the vaulted ceilings to the detailed carvings. Reddit The real magic, however, happens from the towers. The panoramic views of Quito, especially during the golden hour or at sunset, are spectacular. Reddit Be prepared for the climb and the potentially narrow spaces at the top, but the resulting photos will be well worth the effort. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enduring Legend of the Basilica

The Basilica del Voto Nacional is not just a stunning architectural marvel; it's also steeped in a captivating legend. Construction began in 1883, and it's famously said that the world will end the very day the basilica is completed. TikTok+1 This ongoing construction, which continues to this day, adds a unique and somewhat eerie mystique to the site. Visitors often ponder this legend as they explore the vast structure, making the visit a blend of historical appreciation and folklore. The sheer scale of the unfinished project fuels the mystique, making it a talking point for many travelers. TikTok

This legend has become an integral part of the basilica's identity, drawing curious visitors eager to experience a place tied to such a dramatic prophecy. While the construction continues, the basilica remains a functioning place of worship and a significant cultural landmark in Quito. The ongoing work is a testament to the dedication of those involved, carrying on a tradition that spans over a century. TikTok

Ascending to the Skies: The Tower Experience

For many, the highlight of visiting the Basilica del Voto Nacional is the ascent to its towers. This climb offers unparalleled, panoramic views of Quito, stretching across the historic center and beyond. TikTokReddit The journey upwards involves navigating steep, narrow staircases, which can be a bit daunting but are ultimately rewarding. Reddit It's an adventure that provides a unique perspective on the city's layout and its stunning Andean surroundings. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair bit of climbing. Reddit

Beyond the breathtaking vistas, the tower climb also provides an opportunity to appreciate the basilica's intricate details up close. You can get a closer look at the clock mechanisms and the stunning mosaic work that adorns the interior. Reddit Some visitors note that the shops and cafes on the intermediate floors, while offering great views, can feel a bit out of place in such a historic religious monument. Reddit However, the overall experience of reaching the top and gazing out over the 'Middle of the World' is widely considered to be worth the effort and the admission fee. Reddit

You may also like