Church of the Society of Jesus

Quito, Ecuador, Ecuador

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The Church of the Society of Jesus, commonly known as La Compañía, is a Jesuit church in the historic center of Quito, Ecuador, built between 1605 and 1765 on a site just off Independence Square.

It is widely regarded as one of the most important examples of Spanish Baroque architecture in South America, noted for its extremely ornate, almost entirely gilded interior, including carved wooden altarpieces, gold‑leafed columns, and two striking green‑and‑gold domes above the main nave.

The church reflects multiple styles—Baroque, Moorish, Churrigueresque, and Neoclassical—blended by generations of Jesuit and local artisans, including master sculptors and painters of the Quito School. Inside are dozens of paintings and sculptures, such as the famous “16 Prophets” and scenes of Hell and the Last Judgment, creating a richly decorated space that feels both sacred and theatrical.