Monasterio Santa Catalina

The Santa Catalina Monastery
Founded in 1580, deserves special mention. Its massive walls shelter a citadel from the 16th century where time appears to have stood sill. This monastery, which occupies a space greater than twenty thousand square meters, is a cause of permanent admiration, as given testimony by the monarchs of Spain during a visit paid a few years ago. Thick high strong walls made of sillar (white volcanic stone) border the monastery. It is a citadel within the city. Inside, three large patios are outstanding, surrounded by arches and decorated with frescos and paintings with mestizo influence, such as the Patio de los Naranjos (The orange orchard and patio), painted in an intense indigo blue. In the main wing, three large cloisters and two museums are well worth noting, as well as the locutory. Visitors are impressed by the small streets inside the convent that bear names of Spanish cities such as Sevilla, Granada, Córdoba, etc.Ten young virgins began their cloistered life consecrated to God in this convent. In 1970, the cloisters were opened to tourism after 390 years during which hundreds of nuns dedicated their life to prayer. The beauty of Arequipa is not limited to the city, as around it, are towns and districts that attract tourism for their countryside. Towns such as Sabandía, Socabaya, Yarabamba, Cayma, Tiabaya, Yanahuara, Yura and Paucarpata are a treat for the eyes with their impressive terraces from the Inca era, still used today for agriculture.

Monasterio Santa Catalina

The Santa Catalina Monastery Founded in 1580, deserves special mention. Its massive walls shelter a citadel from the 16th century where time appears to have stood sill. This monastery, which occupies a space greater than twenty thousand square meters, is a cause of permanent admiration, as given testimony by the monarchs of Spain during a visit paid a few years ago. Thick high strong walls made of sillar (white volcanic stone) border the monastery. It is a citadel within the city. Inside, three large patios are outstanding, surrounded by arches and decorated with frescos and paintings with mestizo influence, such as the Patio de los Naranjos (The orange orchard and patio), painted in an intense indigo blue. In the main wing, three large cloisters and two museums are well worth noting, as well as the locutory. Visitors are impressed by the small streets inside the convent that bear names of Spanish cities such as Sevilla, Granada, Córdoba, etc.Ten young virgins began their cloistered life consecrated to God in this convent. In 1970, the cloisters were opened to tourism after 390 years during which hundreds of nuns dedicated their life to prayer. The beauty of Arequipa is not limited to the city, as around it, are towns and districts that attract tourism for their countryside. Towns such as Sabandía, Socabaya, Yarabamba, Cayma, Tiabaya, Yanahuara, Yura and Paucarpata are a treat for the eyes with their impressive terraces from the Inca era, still used today for agriculture.