Quito, the capital of Ecuador, holds the distinction of being the closest capital city to the Equator, located just about 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of the zero-degree latitude line. This unique position is celebrated at the 'Mitad del Mundo' (Middle of the World) monument. Despite its equatorial location, the city enjoys a 'perpetual spring' climate with cool temperatures year-round because it sits at an elevation of 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) in the Andes. Quito was the first city in the world, along with Krakow, to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. Its historic center is one of the largest and best-preserved in the Americas, featuring a stunning blend of Spanish, Flemish, and Moorish architecture. The city is flanked by the active Pichincha volcano, and residents can take a 'TelefériQo' cable car up the mountainside to over 4,000 meters for a panoramic view of the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' that stretches across the horizon.