Palacio de Carondelet

The Carondelet Palace is the seat of government and workplace of the President of Ecuador, occupying the western side of Quito's main square, Plaza Grande. The long colonnaded building dates in its present form to the colonial and early republican periods, with grand reception rooms and a ceremonial changing of the guard held on set days. Inside, murals depict the discovery of the Amazon River and gifts of state are displayed. Its position on the historic plaza places national power at the very heart of the old city.