Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Church · Riobamba, Chimborazo
Cathedral of Riobamba
The Cathedral of San Pedro, facing Maldonado Park, with a carved white stone façade; some of the stones were brought from the old Riobamba, destroyed by the 1797 earthquake.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cathedral of Riobamba
The Cathedral of San Pedro occupies the northeast side of Maldonado Park, Riobamba’s central square. It was built in the new city, refounded on the Tapi plateau after the 1797 earthquake devastated the old Riobamba, where Cajabamba now stands. The design was inspired by the main church of the old city, and construction was completed in 1835.
The highlight is the white limestone façade, with medallions and carved reliefs made by stonemasons from San Andrés and Yaruquíes. Some of the stones were brought from the ruins of the old city, and locals see the cathedral as a symbol of renewal after the earthquake. The reliefs combine Catholic tradition with motifs from Andean culture.
Beside it is the Chapel of Santa Bárbara, with two stone lions on the façade, one of the city’s symbols. In front of the cathedral, Maldonado Park, with gardens and fountains, is surrounded by 19th-century mansions and marks the center of the grid layout.
The interior, made of wood, is simpler than the façade. The church is still used for Masses, and visits should respect the services.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About half an hour to see the façade and interior; an hour if you include a stroll through Maldonado Park.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when the light brings out the façade’s reliefs. The interior opens according to Mass times; confirm before you go.
How to get there
It is on Veloz Street, between 5 de Junio and Espejo, on the side of Maldonado Park, a few blocks from any point in the historic center. From the bus terminal, it’s about 2 km by taxi or urban bus.
Tip
Look closely at the façade’s medallions and seek the stone lions of the Chapel of Santa Bárbara beside it. At night, the buildings around the park are often illuminated.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cathedral of Riobamba
Why is the façade of Riobamba Cathedral famous?
For its carved white stone, with medallions and reliefs that mix Catholic and Andean motifs. Some of that stone came from the ruins of the colonial city destroyed in 1797.
When was Riobamba Cathedral built?
After the city’s refounding, at the start of the 19th century; the works finished in 1835, following a design inspired by the old main church of Riobamba.
Can Riobamba Cathedral be visited inside?
Yes, during opening hours for Mass. Check before you go and avoid moving around during services.