Quito Audiencia became famous for its art and culture. Creoles, Mestizos and Indians were recognized for their outstanding work.

Caspicara (1723-1796): His real name was Manuel Chili. Caspicara (meaning wooden face) was a great sculptor. He was Bernardo de Legarda’s student and became famous for his baroque style and the small anatomical details in his sculptures.  His most representative works are: Four Virtues, St Francis, Holy Shroud, the Twelve Apostles, the Assumption of the Virgin, and the Coronation of the Virgin.

Miguel de Santiago (1630-1706) He was a great painter. He could express people’s feelings almost perfectly; this is why many of his works were sent to Rome.  His most representative paintings are: The Agony Christ, Miracles of our Mother, the Immaculate and the King Philippe IV, the Immaculate and the Holy Trinity.

Architecture: The architecture in the colonial period was a blend of Spanish and Indian styles. Some of the buildings and churches received Italian Influence. San Francisco is the best example of it. Tourists from all over the world come to Quito to see our churches and architecture from that time. In 1978 Quito was designated Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was the first city to get such title.

La Compañia Church. The Jesuits began the construction of the church in 1668 and it was finished in 1765. It is famous for its wonderful baroque-style façade and golden decorations in the inside. It is said that workers used 7 tons of gold to decorate the church. La Compañia is considered to be the most beautiful church in Latin America.