The castle gate
Turrets and clock.
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The emblem of Loja in southern Ecuador, a gate shaped like a small castle with turrets, crenellated balconies and a clock tower, standing over the Bolívar Bridge on the Malacatos River at the northern entrance to the old city. It was built in 1998 and 1999, modelled on the building shown on the city's coat of arms. Inside are a small museum and gallery of local art and history, and visitors climb to the upper balconies to look over the streets, rooftops and the mountains ringing the valley. Around it stand statues, including Don Quixote and his companion Sancho Panza, and a monument to the region's founder. Loja is a calm city about 2,060 metres up, founded in 1548 and nicknamed Ecuador's capital of music and culture for its many musicians and conservatories. From the gate starts a pleasant walk through colonial streets, squares and markets, including Calle Lourdes with its colourful wooden balconies. It is lovely at night when the gate is lit, and a good starting point before heading south to Podocarpus and Vilcabamba.
Turrets and clock.
City views.
Colourful balconies.
Puente Bolívar over the Malacatos River, north entrance to central Loja
A small museum and gallery of local art and history, and upper balconies with views over the city and mountains; entry is free.