The capital of Azuay province in the southern Ecuadorean Andes, Cuenca has become a popular destination on the backpackers' trail. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture, parks and plazas dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as cultural centres, museums and more recent buildings in the neocolonial style.
The main square is Parque Calderón, where the old cathedral (renovated in 1985 for Pope John Paul II's visit to Ecuador) is located. On the opposite side is the larger new cathedral, characterised by its huge blue domes. Older churches that can be visited include Santo Domingo, San Sebastián and San Blas, among others.
There are several museums to see in the centre, including the Banco Central, Casa de la Cultura, Conceptas Convent, Remigio Crespo Toral, Museum of Popular Art of the Americas, Museum of Modern Art and the Azuayo Institute of Folklore.
There are several museums to see in the centre, including the Banco Central, Casa de la Cultura, Conceptas Convent, Remigio Crespo Toral, Museum of Popular Art of the Americas, Museum of Modern Art and the Azuayo Institute of Folklore.
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