The Seal of Riobamba was incorporated in the year 1575. The shield is made up of a Catholic chalice and communion bread with the keys of St. Peter crossed before it. There are two swords piercing the head of the first evangelical missionary that came to the city, the same who was martyred being run through swords by the Catholics. On either side of the shield are boughs of ornate sheaves. Placed on top is a Spanish Conquistador helmet representing the conquest. Across the bottom is a banner with the words, "Very Noble City And Very Loyal To St. Peter of Riobamba."

Riobamba nestles in a high mountain valley in the Andes at an elevation of just over 9,500 feet. The city of 160,000 people lies in the shadow of three snow-capped volcanoes, Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador at 20,560 feet, El Altar, and Tungurahua. Not far form Chimborazo is a fourth volcano called Carihuayrazo.

A dark spiritual shadow hovers over the inhabitants of this Andean city even though it has a rich and important history to Ecuador. It was here that the first Constitutional Assembly convened electing Ecuador's first president and vice-president of the newly formed republic.

The First Baptist Church of Riobamba

This is the First Baptist Church of Riobamba. We are involved in the Sunday morning services here and on Tuesday evenings we have a meeting with our evangelists for training, prayer and updates. Pray for the FBC as they look for a full-time pastor to lead them.

El Altar

El Altar rises over the city of Riobamba situated to the west south/west about 12 miles out. The height of this crater is 17.021 feet.

Chimborazo

Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador situated to the Northwest of Riobamba about 10 miles out. Because it is placed so close to the equator, it's peak is considered the highest physical point above the earth. It rises 20,560 feet above sea level. It is known internationally as an ideal glacier for climbers.

Carihuayrazo

Carihuayrazo sits just to the north of Chimborazo and about 20 miles North of the city of Riobamba. It rises 16,064 feet above sea level.

Animal Market

The animal market is a busy place on Saturdays as many people of many different cultures come in from the countryside to buy, sell and trade their animals. It is a colorful scene with each culture doning their typical design of clothing.

Llama

Taken just on the outskirts of Riobamba. The llamas are used as pack animals and also for protecting smaller animals like sheep and goats.

Twine Preparation

This is an indian lady who is preparing twine from the Sabila plant. This hemp plant is grown all over the country sides in this area and is useful in a variety of ways to the people.

Tungurahua

Tungurahua is an active stratovolcano also known as the "Black Giant". It has a 600 ft. wide crater. Most of the volcano is covered by snow. It causes many tremors in the near-by city of Banos. Tungurahua has had at least 17 eruptions in historic times, it's most recent occurring in 1944 when it erupted explosively from its center crater. Numerous eruptions per day are occurring at this volcano. Magma is also rising in the column.