The temple of La Compañía de Jesús in Quito, known as La Compañía, is an outstanding example of baroque architecture in America. Its construction lasted 160 years and is a clear reflection of the evolution of architectural styles. Although Baroque predominates, other influences can be distinguished, such as Mudejar, Churrigueresque and Neoclassical. Baroque can be seen in the symmetry and dynamism of the interior, especially in the columns and the main altarpiece, creating the illusion of movement as one walks through the church. In addition, the arrangement of the upper windows of the central nave allows for a unique luminosity that further highlights the splendor of its ornamental details.
The Mudejar or Moorish style, with its geometric forms, is also present in the pillars, reflecting the Arab influence that the Spanish colonizers brought with them. The Churrigueresque, with its ornate ornamentation, especially adorns the partitions, while the neoclassical style is found in the chapel of Santa Mariana de Jesus, which was originally used as a wine cellar.
The plan of the temple follows the Latin cross model, commonly compared to the Church of the Gesù in Rome, but with differences in the design of its naves and chapels. The church has three naves: a high central nave with a barrel vault and two lower side naves with small cupolas that allow the entrance of soft light. The transept, measuring 26.5 meters wide, is crowned by an imposing dome 27.6 meters high, adorned with paintings and religious figures.
The exterior of the temple stands out for its baroque facade, which was carved in Ecuadorian andesite stone and completed in 1765. This facade, with Solomonic columns and exuberant decoration, reflects the Italian Baroque style, although elements of French Baroque and Renaissance are also incorporated. The sculptures that adorn the entrance and the layout of the façade show the city's devotion to Jesuit saints and other religious symbols.
On its south side, the church features a stone cross, a prominent architectural element that was formerly attached to the church by a parapet. The bell tower, which originally rose to 180 meters, was destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt at a lower height, still retaining its medieval character. The bells, which once rang in the tower, are now on display in a nearby room, where visitors can appreciate them.
Quito's La Compañía church, with its rich history and complex mix of architectural styles, remains one of the city's most emblematic monuments and an important cultural heritage site for Ecuador.
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