A gold 'monstrance'
encrusted with
pearls and diamonds
is the greatest
and best-known
treasure to
be seen in Riobamba.
A monstrance?
The dictionary
defines it as
an “ornamental
receptacle in
which the consecrated
Host is exposed
in Roman Catholic
churches for
the adoration
of the people.”
The beauty of
the object itself
defies the ugliness
of its appellation
and it is well
worth seeing
if you have
time to visit
the religious
art museum
Convento
de la Conception
on Argentinos
and Larrea.
It has been
well-restored
by the
Banco
Central
and contains
a fine collection
of gold artifacts,
jewellery and
religious art.
Ask for a guided
tour since signs
are pretty poor.
The museum is
open 9am to
noon and 2 to
5pm Tuesdays
to Saturdays.
| Museums |
Convento de la Concepcion
Argentinos and J. Larrea
Open: Tuesday - Friday 09:00-12:00 and 15:00-18:00, Saturdays 09:00-18:00, Sundays and holidays 09:00-12:00
Ticket:
US$1*
Ateneo de Chimborazo
Velasco 24-25 and Veloz
Open: Monday - Friday 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-17:00
Museo de Armas
Ave. Heroes de Tapi
Open: Monday - Friday 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00 |
But the main
attraction
of Riobamba,
as in so many
of other Sierra
towns, is
its market.
Each Saturday
the streets
and squares
of the city
fill up with
stallholders
and hawkers
selling a
wide range
of household
goods and
food products,
as well as
local crafts
and artifacts.
Souvenirs
such as shawls,
ponchos and
woven belts
can be found
around Parque
de la Concepcion,
at the intersection
of Orozco
and Colon.
Woven bags
made from
cabuya
fibre,
known as shigra,
are local
specialties,
as are baskets
and mats woven
from reeds
from the shores
of nearby
Lake Colta.
Riobamba is
also an important
centre for
the tagua
nut trade.
This is a
palm nut about
the size of
a small hen's
egg that's
relatively
soft when
taken from
the fruit
and easily
carved. After
being exposed
to air and
light for
a while it
becomes as
hard as ivory.
The tagua,
which comes
from the lowland
rainforest,
is used to
make buttons,
carved ornaments
and even chess
sets. Tagua
products make
great souvenirs
because they
are so small
and easy to
carry. Chess
sets cost
from about
US$20*.
Since the
commercial
use of tagua
nuts are seen
as an alternative
to cutting
down the rainforest,
any purchase
you make will
be an act
of environmental
friendliness.
To enjoy the
'Sultan of
the Andes'
at its best,
head to the
observation
platform at
Parque
21 de Abril.
The panoramic
views of the
city and its
surrounding
peaks are
magnificent
on a fine
day.
Festivals
The
main celebration
in Riobamba
is Fiesta
del Nino Rey
de Reyes,
which starts
in December
and ends on
January 6,
with many
colorful parades
and music
during the
festivities.
Another celebration
is Riobamba's
independence
day on the
21st of April,
with many
concerts,
drinking and
lively parades.
During these
days it's
difficult
to find accommodation,
so book in
advance. The
last festivity
in Riobamba
during the
year is the
foundation
celebration,
which takes
place on the
11th of November.
*Prices
are approximate
Last
updated 27th
July 2006
| |Article contributed by Dominic Hamilton||| |
| |^|to top| |
