The Ecuador Chronicles - 2010-16
Parque Ejido and the Artisans Market;
Panecillo and the Virgin of Quito;
And a Restaurant with a View
by Ray Almand
This week's Chronicle covers two interesting places in Quito - Parque Ejido and Panecillo. Both are worth a visit if you are spending time in Quito. And there is a great restaurant with a view near the top of Panecillo.
Parque Ejido and the Artisans Market
A few months ago we did a Chronicle about the weekend sidewalk art market at Parque Ejido. See "Art in the Park" - http://livewellecuador.com/ArtInThePark.aspx. At the time the park was under renovation and closed; the artists were set up amongst construction screens and the Artisan Market had been moved to a temporary location. I am happy to report that the park is open again and construction is (almost) complete. And the Artisans Market has a new and improved look. The vendors are still lined up along a long, wide walkway, but now large shades cover some of the walkway offering protection from the sun - and a unique appearance.
Vendors Along a Shaded Walkway
This market is sort of a mini Otavalo - it has many of the items you will see at the famous Otavalo Market. It is really agood alternative, especially if you don't have time to go to Otavalo. Parque Ejido is in a convenient location, just south of the New Town Mariscal Sucre area and just north of Old Town.
A lot of Variety to Choose From
The park itself is pleasant for a walk around - and very popular with families on weekends.
Images of Parque Ejido
Panecillo and the Virgin of Quito
Panecillo with its Virgin of Quito statue provides a beautiful background to the south end of Quito Old Town - you can see it from most places in the Colonial part of town.
The View from Colonial Quito
The Virgin of Quito was inaugurated in 1976. The religious order of the Oblates commissioned the 45 meter tall aluminum statue to be built by Spanish artist Augstin de la Herran Matorras; the statue was engineered and erected by Anibel Lopez of Quito. It is made of seven thousand pieces of aluminum. The Virgin stands on top of a globe and She is stepping on a snake. She is unique in the world in that she has wings - not traditional for a Madonna; Quitenos proudly claim that she is the only one with wings like an angel.
The monument was inspired by the famous "Virgin of Quito", also known as "The Dancer" sculpted by Bernardo de Legarda in 1734, which now decorates the Church of St. Francis. This was a turning point in the renowned Quito School of Art because it shows a Virgin with great movement that is practically dancing - in contrast with the traditional static Madonnas that were produced during the 18th century. It is also interesting that on the same location during pre-Columbian times there was temple dedicated to sun worship.
Dalynda and I recently went to the top of Panecillo for a closer look. There is a walkway to the top starting near La Ronda, but it passes through an area not considered safe. So, when you go, take a taxi up like we did.
A Closer Look at the Dancing Madonna with Angel Wings.........
.........Standing on a Globe and Stepping on a Snake!
The statue is beautifully lighted at night. Around Christmas there is a giant Manger Scene in lights surrounding the Virgin - you can see outline of part of it in the photo above. I like the big ears on the donkey; the cow is OK too.
A Restaurant with a View
Near the top of Panecillo is a restaurant called Pim's. Dalynda and I were there around lunch time so we decided to give it a try. We had a sandwich and a beer - very good - and the dinner menu looked good as well.
A Nice Restaurant - With a View
What really makes Pim's stand out is the view. Quito Old Town is before you like a map - with toy buildings. We were able to pick out our street and our apartment building. We plan to go back one evening so we can see it at night.
Worth a Visit for the View; Quito is Beautiful and the Food is Good
Like a Map with Toy Buildings
Would you like to visit Quito and see a Virgin Stepping on a Snake -
Find out how at Live Well Ecuador: