Pasaje Tobar: A Glimpse into Quito's Belle Époque

Pasaje Tobar, located in the heart of Quito's historic center, stands as a testament to the city's early 20th-century commercial boom. Constructed in 1925 by architect Luis Felipe Donoso Barba, the passage reflects a historicist, neoclassical style inspired by the covered passages of Paris. These passages, precursors to modern shopping malls, became popular in Latin America as part of the early 20th-century architectural movements.Pasaje Tobar connects Calle Guayaquil and Calle Sucre, just a few blocks from the Plaza Grande, and was once known as 'Del comercio bajo'. The building originally housed shops on the ground floor, with offices and luxury apartments on the upper levels. The passage's design features a striking triple-height space illuminated by natural light through its iron and glass roof, reminiscent of Parisian exposition halls.While many similar passages declined in the 1970s with the rise of modern shopping centers, Pasaje Tobar retains its historical charm and continues to host a variety of commercial activities. Today, visitors can explore unique shops and immerse themselves in the local culture.