LA PUERTA DE LA CIUDAD

A must for the tourist visiting Loja is undoubtedly its main gate. The nueva puerta (meaning "new gate") stands at the northern entrance to the city, at the confluence of the Malacatos and Zamora rivers that flow through it. This strange building, the pride of the Lojanos, houses a monument dedicated to Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. The large door, which resembles that of a castle, in fact reproduces the coat of arms of the province of Loja. There is an exhibition hall for arts and crafts and a pleasant cafeteria.