Museo Templo de la Patria

The Museo Templo de la Patria, or Temple Museum of the Nation, is a place of remembrance and a site that played a vital role in the history of Ecuador. Its location is known as Cima de la Libertad. Visitors will be spellbound by the magnificent views this site has to offer, as it overlooks the city and provides a stunning vision of the volcanoes. But most importantly, it tells the story of brave and courageous men who laid down their lives for the end to colonial rule and are honored by this magnificent museum.

The battle for freedom was fought on the slopes of Pichincha Volcano on 24 May 1822. It was a battle that remained in the memories of locals for many years. In 1920, while under the rule of Dr. Jose Tamayo, an obelisk was commissioned for the battle ground as a monument to the soldiers. The Army Corps of Engineers took the process one step further in 1975 by designing and building the Temple of the Motherland on the battlefield, which has become a significant part of the museum.

There are five different rooms to explore in the museum, showcasing the weaponry used during the battle. The first room in the museum is home to a variety of murals depicting significant parts of the battle, while the eternal flame room is a somber reminder of the battle, with the remains of an unidentified soldier laid to rest on a sculpted pedestal surrounded by the national flags of the country and a torch that always remains alight. One of the halls showcases the entire battle, including troop movements and the busts of generals who were vital to the battle of Pichincha.

Visitors can also look forward to unique artwork, murals and paintings, cultural displays and in depth looks at figures such as Antonio Jose de Sucre and Simon Bolivar. The arms room is extremely fascinating, as it displays the rifles, swords, spearheads and daggers that were used by the troops, giving visitors insight to the fierceness of the battle and how armory has evolved over the years. The Museo Templo de la Patria is a dedication to the soldiers who have not been forgotten.