Declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO 32 years ago, Quito was named last September American Capital of Culture 2011 by the International Bureau of Cultural Capitals (IBOCC).
In 2011, Quito will be a global cultural reference point, motivating locals and foreigners alike to learn about the city's treasures and understand why it has been chosen as the American Capital of Culture.
One of these treasures is the Historic Centre, an artistic jewel covering 320 hectares, with monuments and 5.000 building listed as heritage sites. Quito's Historic Centre is considered the largest, least altered, and best preserved in America.
Quito was the cradle of ancient peoples and cultures that over the centuries have converted the city into a unique place. Nowadays, it amasses four centuries of memories, creation, faith, art, ancestral knowledge, consciousness and rebelliousness, life, determination and hope.
Throughout history, Quito has played host to religious orders, scientists, warriors, architects, emperors, and a great number of men and women that understood the value of this land and contributed to the development of this metropolis.
Thus, being declared the American Capital of Culture is not merely a title; it is a merit to all those generations that transformed this city into the cultural treasure it is today.
