Walking from the old town's narrow colonial streets into the giant cobblestone plaza reveals one of the finest sights in Ecuador - the whitewashed walls and twin bell towers of Ecuador's oldest church against the backdrop of Volcán Pichincha. Completed around 1600, the interior of the monastery boasts exquisite original tilework and spectacular Baroque carving.

The Monastery of San Francisco is Quito's largest colonial structure. Its founder, Franciscan missionary Joedco Rickie, is credited with being the first man to sow wheat in Ecuador. He is commemorated by a statue near the raised terrace at the front. Although much of the church has been rebuilt because of earthquake damage, some of the original structure still remains.

To the right of the main entrance is the Museo Franciscano, containing some of the church's finest paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. To the left of the monastery stands the Capilla de Cantuña, which houses an excellent art collection from the Quito School.