San Roque is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Cuenca. So much so, that its name is mentioned in the official documents that declared Cuenca a World Cultural Heritage Site. In the 1930s, this neighborhood was a sort of enclave located at one of the accesses to the city, where the suppliers who came to town with their products would stay. The story goes that San Roque was also a bohemian neighborhood of bars and cantinas – the most famous being the “Piti Muchas” bar – which is why back in the day it had earned the nickname ‘San Drake.’
The surrounding attractions are:
Church
In the 19th century, the church of San Roque was neglected and of little use, which motivated Father Fernando Avendaño to join efforts in order to recover it and reestablish the celebration of religious services for the community. The remodeling was carried out between 1875 and 1880 and included the improvement of the old pantheon next to the church.
San Roque Square
After the remodeling of the church, a small square was built next to it, which received the same name as the neighborhood. However, on the occasion of the centenary of the city’s independence in 1920, both the square and the parish were renamed “Sucre”, in honor of Antonio José de Sucre. A statue of Marshal Sucre was also erected in the plaza to commemorate his heroic deeds during the independence of the South American countries.
Traditional Architecture (rural colonial houses)
The San Roque sector was a rather rural area dedicated to agricultural production, which is why here we can appreciate a vernacular architectural style that integrates Andean features. These are large country houses, home to ancient folk knowledge.
Traditional Gastronomy
In this neighborhood, traditional flavors and aromas are mixed with modern gastronomic trends, making your visit an unforgettable experience. There are several options that we invite you to discover, but if you are looking for typical preparations such as tamales, humitas, or corn tortillas, then we recommend:
Aroma Café
Now, if you are looking for innovation in flavors while maintaining the local gastronomic identity, we recommend:
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