Convento de San Diego

Dear reader:

I am glad you have chosen this guide to get to know Quito's Historical Center. You will have the opportunity to become intimately acquainted with the history of the city, its inhabitants and imaginary, and its vital periods of history

Before you begin the different walks, allow me to share a secret with you. Since the firts time I arrived to Quito from my home country, Chile, in April 1975, I was immediately and deeply struck by the beauty of its buildings and architecture, the legends that have been woven during 400 hundred magnificent years of history and its enigma. Howerer, after a lengthy and intensive study of the "Historical Center", I still believe that I do not fully understand all its complexity nor am I able to decipher the cultural codes which are distributed in the streets, churches and homes; in the handicrafts; the food; the music and religiosity, beautifully expressed in the multiple forms of life and bebavior of this inhabitants.

Every time I frequent in the Historical Center, I discover new and exciting elements that connect me to the past and present and that allow my imagination to wonder a history that has yet to be written.

Considering the mysteries of the past outline above, I sincerely hope that you enjoy and savour the walks along the Historical Center and if you have any comments, please do not hesitate to direct them to the following email address:valenmor90@hotmail.com

Sincerely,
Oscar Valenzuela-Morales
Quito, October, 1999

Research: Oscar Valenzuela-Morales.
Photos: Alain Barthe y Ramón Troncoso.