Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation, Ambato, Ecuador
The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation, also called Ambato Cathedral, stands between Bolívar and Montalvo streets. Moreover, it faces Juan Montalvo Park in the heart of Ambato, the capital of Tungurahua province in Ecuador. The cathedral has held the title of Minor Basilica since April 1961. Consequently, it attracts countless visitors who admire its architecture and spiritual importance.
Its history begins in 1698, when the original chapel was built. However, the 1797 earthquake destroyed the chapel entirely. Communities then rebuilt their sacred space with renewed faith and dedication. Later, another church served the faithful until 1949. As a result, leaders constructed the present temple in 1954 to replace the damaged structure. This effort demonstrates resilience and commitment to preserving both tradition and heritage.
The cathedral follows the Roman or Latin rite and provides regular liturgical services for its congregation. Furthermore, it serves as the seat of the Diocese of Ambato, which Pope Pius XII created in 1948 through the papal bull Quae ad maius. This organization ensures guidance and pastoral care for believers in the region.
Bishop Jorge Giovanny Pazmiño Abril has led the cathedral since 2015. Additionally, he oversees community programs, religious education, and spiritual guidance for parishioners. The cathedral continues to serve as both an architectural treasure and a living center of faith. Therefore, it inspires devotion, cultural identity, and community engagement.
Finally, the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation stands as a symbol of resilience, spiritual strength, and Ecuadorian tradition. Visitors and locals alike experience its beauty, history, and enduring religious significance. Thus, it remains a cornerstone of Catholic life in Ambato.
Connectivity to the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation, Ambato, Ecuador
Airways
The nearest major airport to Ambato is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, approximately 170 km north of Ambato. From Quito, you can reach Ambato by road or bus in about 2.5–3 hours via the Panamericana (Route E35). Ambato also has a small local airport, Ambato Chachoán Airport, mainly for private or charter flights, but it does not handle regular commercial flights.
Railways
Ecuador’s railway network is limited and primarily serves tourism purposes. Ambato is near the Quito–Riobamba scenic train route operated by Tren Ecuador, which offers historical and tourist journeys. However, for practical travel to Ambato, railways are not commonly used, and buses or cars are the preferred modes of transport.
Roadways
Ambato is well-connected by road to major cities in Ecuador. From Quito, it is about 170 km south via the Panamericana (E35), roughly a 3-hour drive. From Guayaquil, it is approximately 320 km north, taking around 5–6 hours via E40 and E35. From Riobamba, it is about 35 km north, around a 40-minute drive. Frequent bus services operate from Quito, Guayaquil, Riobamba, and other cities, with companies like Flota Imbabura and Cooperativa Tungurahua. The bus terminal in Ambato is close to the city center, and local taxis or walking can easily take you to the cathedral.
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