Cathedral in Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca, in southern Ecuador, is the country’s third-largest city. It is a charming colonial town surrounded by four rivers. Founded in 1557, Cuenca is filled with squares, monuments, small museums and historical churches. Two cathedrals face each other on the central plaza, which is called el Parque Calderón. One, El Sagrario, or “Old Cathedral,” is quite small. Its construction began in 1557. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, or “New Cathedral,” is much larger and stands out from numerous vantage points throughout the city because of its beautiful blue cupolas. The New Cathedral was started in 1880 and completed in 1974.