A corner of the World Heritage colored by flowers
Buying flowers has never been as lovely as it is in Cuenca’s Plaza de las Flores, (“Flowers Plaza”) World Heritage Site, in Ecuador. It is one of the most emblematic and prominent urban spaces in the Centro Histórico (historic sector) of that Andean city. A site were pedestrians can walk freely, surrounded by important buildings such as the Iglesia del Carmen (church), where the image of Baby Jesus is venerated, the Convento del Carmen (convent) and the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción (cathedral).
But what stands out the most in the plaza is its flower market, which makes it a charming place. The beauty of the place made it deserving of the top stop in the “Top 10 Outdoor Flower Markets” list in 2014, a distinction given by the international magazine National Geographic.
The market has a diverse offer, consisting mostly of: roses, orchids or lilies. There are a dozen stalls that stand out for their explosion of color, the variety of flowers and aromas and the friendliness of their vendors. Other destinations which can be compared to Cuenca’s Flower Market are Marché Aux Fleur (France); the Bloemenmarkt (Netherlands); the Campo Dei Fiore (Italy); the Adderley Street Flower Market (South Africa); the Phool Mandi (India) and the Pak Khlong Talat, (Thailand).
The Iglesia del Carmen, which is part of the architectural ensemble of the Monasterio del Carmen de la Asunción (monastery), next to the Plaza, is one of the majestic religious buildings in Cuenca. It has a doorway carved in stone, which is a magnificent example of Baroque art in the city, as well as a Renaissance-style wooden structure on the inside in which interesting sculptures can be seen.
The nuns at the monastery prepare medicinal drinks with flowers, which are sold to visitors in the shops next to the market.
ADDRESS
Mariscal Sucre y calle Padre Aguirre, Cuenca, Ecuador
SCHEDULE:
Monday – Sunday: 08:00 – 18:00
ACTIVITIES
VISITS:
INDEPENDENT
GUIDED
“EXPERIENCIA VIVENCIAL” (LIVED EXPERIENCE)
CULTURAL:
FLOCLÓRICO EVENTS
COMMERCIAL EVENTS
SPORTS:
WALKING
RUNNING
BICYCLE
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