Quito, city in northern Ecuador, capital of Ecuador and of Pichincha Province. The city is picturesquely situated on the lower slopes of Pichincha volcano in a narrow, fertile valley of the Andes Mountains at an elevation of 2850 m (9350 ft) above sea level. Because of its elevation it has a pleasant, moderate climate despite being just south of the equator. Quito has little heavy industry. Its chief manufactures include textiles, processed food, beverages, leather, cement, furniture, and gold and silver handicrafts. The city is linked with the Pacific Ocean by roads and a railroad (opened 1908), and is on the Pan-American Highway.
Quito is the oldest South American capital and retains much of its colonial aspect. The city is laid out mainly according to a rectangular plan and has an expansive central plaza, many quiet parks and flower gardens, and numerous steep, narrow streets. The architecture of Quito is chiefly in the Spanish baroque style. Notable structures include a 17th-century cathedral and the churches of San Francisco, San Augustin, La Compañía, and Santo Domingo. The city is the site of the Central University of Ecuador (1769), the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (1946), and the National Polytechnic School (1869).
