The Basilica is the largest neo-gothic church in South America. According to local legend, the world will end if construction of the Basilica is ever officially completed. Construction of the basilica was approved by Pope Leo XIII in 1887, and the French architect Emilia Tarlier was brought in to design the church. Inspired by the Notre Dame and Bourges, Tarlier began designs in 1890. On July 10th 1892 the first stone was placed.

It took more than 30 years to build the basilica. The first mass and the first ringing of the bells took place in 1924. Pope John Paul II blessed the church in 1985, and it was consecrated and finally inaugurated in 1988.

The Basilica is an impressive church. The interior features one long central nave with two smaller adjoining naves, with a dome and stained glass windows. Around the central nave are 24 small chapels, each dedicated to a province of Ecuador. A crypt and a pantheon are also connected to the basilica. The gargoyles of the Basílica del Voto Nacional all represent animals endemic to Ecuador, including iguanas, tortoises, armadillos, and condors.

The Basilica is open mon-fri from 9am until 5pm, from 6am to 6:30pm in weekends. The entrance fee is currently $2 which gives you access to the top of the towers, which for most visitors is the real highlight, offering fantastic views across the city. Getting up there is quite an adventure, with steep steps and ladders leading up to the top.