The Church and Monastery of San Francisco is one of the grandest and most important religious complexes in the Americas, dominating a vast plaza in the heart of Quito’s old town. Begun soon after the Spanish conquest, its huge whitewashed facade, richly decorated Baroque interior and cloisters are masterpieces of colonial art and architecture. Fronting one of the finest squares in the city, alive with pigeons and street life, it is a magnificent and atmospheric landmark and a cornerstone of the historic centre that earned Quito its World Heritage status.