Castles in Quito Ecuador at risk of vanishing

miamiherald.com/ Jim Wyss reported for more than 80 years, this Andean capital has been guarded by a strange array of kitschy castles — brimming with turrets and towers, spires and faux drawbridges, Moorish cupolas and sweeping staircases.

In a city internationally renowned for its colonial architecture (its historic center has been a United Nations World Heritage Site since 1978) the castillos de Quito have often been dismissed as architectural oddities and mid-century eyesores.

Despite being protected by the city, some have been destroyed outright and others have been modified beyond recognition. Of the 15 castles that Héctor López, a researcher who blogs about Quito’s architecture, has identified in the city, perhaps five retain much of their original charm, he said. Read Article

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