Palace of the Archbishop

The Palace of the Archbishop (in Spanish, Palacio Arzobispal) in the heart of Old Town Quito stands in good company on Plaza Grande, sharing the plaza with the cathedral, the Presidential Palace and City Hall.
Founded in the 16th century, this neoclassic building was once the seat of the archbishop of Quito. One of the oldest buildings in the city, it represents the religious authority of the Roman Catholic Church. 
Although it tells an important story of the religious past in Ecuador, these days it has a lot to offer for visitors looking for rest and refreshment. Now, restaurants, coffee shops, craft shops and art galleries are gathered under the arches. 
For foodies, this is Quito’s busiest food court. Here you can get it all, from fast food, to seafood, to inexpensive lunches, to fine dining with a romantic view of the plaza. 
On the weekends, dancers and singers perform at the palace courtyard. And since so many people pass through this area, it makes an interesting place to sit and observe day-to-day life in Quito.

Practical Info

The Palace of the Archbishop is located on the corner of Chile and Venezuela streets in Old Town. At the palace’s fine-dining restaurant Mea Culpa, gourmet dishes run from $10 to $16 and the dress code is formal.