At the north-western part of Independence place we can see the site of the Goverment.
The old palace has been rebuilt by the president of ‘Real Audiencia de Quito’ Baron Luis Héctor de Carondelet in 1801. During the years of struggling for Ecuador’s independence the building residence of Department of South of Gran Colombia, and sometimes hosted Simon Boliviar, who appreciating the style called it ‘Palacio de Carondelet’.
The building is also known as Government Palace( Palacio de Gobierno ) or Palacio Presidencial.
At the top of the building hangs the banner of Ecuador, ant the entrance is watched by the guards, whose red-blue 19th century uniforms make a surprise contrast with new
half-automatic guns.
The old place witnessed many of new Governments, only during the period 1901-1948 there were introduced four new constitutions, while the government changes 39 times.
The old place witnessed many of new Goverments, only during the period 1901-1948 there were introduced four new constitutions, while the goverment changes 39 times.
Visitors can see here the inner courtyard with the fountain and columnade . On the wall of the main staircase there is famous mosaic by Oswaldo Guiasamin, representing the Francisco de Orellana’s expedition, during which he discovered and named river Amazon. The present president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa considered the palace the part of Ecuador’s heritage, and there are the plans to enable some rooms for public.
[ photo : courtesy of angela7dreams]