Churches in Cuenca are a major attraction in the city. The Churches of Cuenca reflect the long religious history of the city. The churches have helped in shaping the way of life and social and religious aspects of the people of Ecuador.
Christianity spread in Cuenca with the arrival of the Spaniards. It is rightly said that they conquered the land not only with the sword but also by the holy cross. Thus, the conquest was aimed at not only gaining hold over territories but also bringing the heathen under the umbrella of true faith. The Catholic Church played a big role in shaping the lives of the native people for many centuries. Some important churches in the city are:
The Sagrario Church
This old cathedral is located at the corner of Mariscal Sucre and Luis Cordero Ave. It is one of the oldest churches in Latin America. Built in the year 1557, the Church boasts of marble floors and a gold-leaf altar in its interior. It was used as a reference point by the Geodesic Mission to calculate the circumference of the earth.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
This new cathedral is located at the corner of Mariscal Sucre and Benigno Malo. Its construction began in 1880, and is one of the largest Cathedral of America. While the Cathedral is made of alabaster and marble its floor is made of pink marble imported from Carrara, Italy. Both Romance and Baroque are noticeable in the structure.
Church and Monastery of El Carmen de Asuncion
This is located near the main square. It is very close to the right of the daily flower market. Both the church and monastery have been preserved in the original condition since the XVII century. Invaluable religious art pieces can be found here.
Todos Los Santos Church
Located at the junction of Calle Larga and Bajada de Todos Los Santos this is one of the oldest churches in Cuenca. After the Spaniards arrived the first Catholic mass was celebrated in this Church. The statue of Santa Ana, patron saint of the city, is found here.
Church and Monastery of The Conceptas
This Church is located at the corner of Presidente Cordova and Presidente Borrero Streets. The entrance of the church contains tombstones of the 17th century. Constructed in the 16th century the monastery later became a museum of religious art.
Other Churches:
- Santo Domingo Church is located at the corner of Padre Aguirre and Gran Colombia
- San Alfonso Church- is located on Simon Bolivar and Presidente Borrero
- San Francisco Church is located on Coronel Talbot and Simon Bolivar Avenues
- San Blas Church is located on Manuel Vega Avenue
- Maria Auxiliadora Church is located on Simon Bolivar and Tarqui Avenues
| 
