Basilica del Voto Nacional

A couple of weekends ago, I visited the main basilica here in Quito. It is huge, has beautiful gothic architecture and can be an adventure if you choose to climb to the top.

Here is a view of South Quito and the Panecillo--Virgen of Quito over looking the city. This is from almost the top of one of the clock towers.

The other tower we are going to climb after.

This is literally how you climb a both towers. Crazy ladders and steep, ricketly climbs that would never be allowed in the United States or be considered safe.

A wooden/concrete platform built over the congregation that leads you to the other, smaller tower.

Me in front of the belltowers--the right clock is broken.

Seriosuly--I wish I could explain how the you climb the side of the tower (that was built on--not part of the original tower) to climb up. It is somewhat scary. But provided beautiful sights of Quito.