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The Gilded Churches of Ecuador

Quito, the capital city of the South American Republic of Ecuador, is home to some of the most ornate churches in the entire world. Particularly notable are the 17th-Century Jesuit church, named  La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, and the 16th-Century church and monastery called the Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco. Take a look at the astonishingly ornate interiors of both of these places of worship:

 
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La Compañía's standout feature is an enormous central nave (the central part of a church building) covered with no less than seven tons of gold leaf.
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The decor is finished off with gilded plaster and wood carvings.
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Built over a 160-year period, La Compañía is arguably the finest example of Spanish Baroque architecture in South America. 
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The Church and Monastery of St. Francis, or Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco, is also completely covered in gold leaf.

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It is the largest of the historical structures constructed during the colonial period in Latin America.
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The church took a lengthy 70 years to complete, however its style of decoration continued to evolve for a further 150 years. 
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Enjoy more pictures of its spectacular interiors below: 
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Content and Image Source: Amusing Planet 
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