Quito, Ecuador: Church of La Compañía

You may not associate South America with grand old churches, preferring to stick to Europe for such buildings. However, the Church of La Compañía in Quito takes a back seat to nothing when it comes to the wow factor. It's located near Independence Square, and it is one of the city's major tourist attractions.

The Jesuit Order first turned up in Quito in 1586, and wanted to build a church, college and monastery in the city. The college opened in 1626, and plans started in earnest on the church soon after that. It had been partially open for business a few years before that, but the authorities wanted something much more grant to be built. It took until 1765, but the place finally was completed. It is magnificent, with gold everywhere. 

There's a great story about the church that ties into the city's location. There is some glass on the roof. On the days of a solstice in March and September, the light comes through the window at sunrise and strikes a painting in the altar. The representation of God thus is lit up for a few minutes in the morning twice a year. It might be quite a sight. 

By the way, Pope John Paul II (1985) and Pope Francis (2015) both have visited this church. We should too: