Before ascending the spire and clock tower, please permit an introduction to the space underground this plaza: the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery.

Measuring 200 meters long, the cemetery is located directly beneath you. It consists of a long corridor at whose end is a small, private chapel.

The entrance is located on Venezuela Avenue, across from García Moreno Park.

Nevertheless, the cemetery is not open to the public and is accessible only to family members of the interred.
Now, let us return to the stairs and tour the second and third floors of the cathedral.

As we circulate upwards, please pause and play the audio as needed.
On the second and third floors of the cathedral, be sure to admire the main rose window, the viewpoint looking out through the interior stained glass, the clock tower,
and finally, the Condor Tower.

The second floor contains the choir section and a space for a pipe organ yet to be installed. Once there, please look out through the rose window, one of the cathedral’s most iconic features. Also be sure to peer through the magnificent stained glass windows and gaze out over the cathedral’s interior below.

The third floor features several interconnected floors with a café, souvenir shop, and an observation deck with views onto the Virgin of El Pasinejo, the clock tower, and the entrance to the Condor Tower.

Let us start by going up to the second floor. Please pause the audio until you reach the second floor.

Here on the second floor of the cathedral, we have an unobstructed view of the rose window and the cathedral’s interior.

As well, we have an up-close view of the stained-glass windows overlooking both sides of the central nave.
These windows are the work of Ecuadorian artist Mario de Ayara. The 62 upper windows depict distinguished figures from the Ecuadorian church, including bishops, archbishops, cardinals and monsignors from the colonial period to present day.
Above these figures are 31 rosettes adorned with orchids, the national flower of Ecuador.
Of particular note are the three large circular rosettes installed on the cathedral’s front and side façades. These floral designs depict the three colors of the Ecuadorian flag: yellow, blue, and red as well as various native orchids.
Now, let us continue up the stairs to the third floor where we will find an observation deck, the clock tower, and the Condor Tower, the cathedral’s signature observation deck.

Please pause the audio until you pass the souvenir shop and reach the glass-enclosed wooden bridge on the left side of the third floor.
Heading towards the Condor Tower, we are now walking on a bridge spanning the central nave of the cathedral.
This is the spire of the Basílica del Voto Nacional. It stands 75 meters tall, and rests on four columns at the crossing of the cathedral’s cruciform structure.
Designed by Emilio Tarlier, the construction was overseen by architect Virgilio Flores.

Also known as the Condor Tower, the spire is crowned by an acroteria of a soaring condor. Ecuador’s national bird, the condor symbolizes majesty, strength, and sovereignty and is also featured on the Ecuadorian coat of arms.
Please exercise caution when climbing the tower. Once atop, do take a moment to admire the panoramic views of Quito.

This concludes our audio guided tour of the Basílica del Voto Nacional as provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ecuador.

May this cathedral remain in your hearts with memories, peace and reflection.
Thank you.