Monastery of Santa Catalina

The Monastery of Santa Catalina in Arequipa is one of the most emblematic monuments in Peru and a must-see for those who want to know the historical and cultural heritage of the “White City.” This convent, founded in 1579, covers an area of ​​20,000 square meters and is considered a “city within a city,” as it has streets, plazas, gardens and even its own church. For centuries, it was a place of seclusion for nuns from aristocratic families and continues to impress visitors with its colonial architecture and the use of white and red ashlar, which gives it a unique and charming appearance.

Location

The Santa Catalina Monastery is located in the heart of the historic center of Arequipa, a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, on Santa Catalina Street. Its central location makes it easy for tourists to access it on foot from various points in the city center.

What the Santa Catalina Monastery Offers

The Santa Catalina Monastery is a true architectural gem with a fascinating colonial design. Its layout of streets and courtyards allows visitors to tour a series of themed spaces, each with a different color and style. In addition, the convent houses pieces of religious art, colonial furniture and utensils that show what life in the cloister was like centuries ago. Among its most notable attractions are the brightly painted streets, the nuns’ cells and the colonial baroque architecture.

Main Attractions

Nuns’ Cells and Decorated Rooms: In the monastery you can see the old cells of the nuns, where they lived in complete seclusion. These rooms are decorated with period furniture and utensils that allow you to learn about the austere lifestyle of the nuns.

Colorful Courtyards and Streets: The courtyards and streets of the monastery are famous for their vibrant colors, especially Siloé Blue and Garnet Red. Each street is named after a Spanish city and features flowers and vegetation that beautify the surroundings. These places are very photogenic and are ideal for those who want to capture unique images of the place.

Church and Cloisters: The monastery church is a beautiful example of colonial religious architecture, while the cloisters, with their arches and frescoes, offer a space for calm and meditation. These cloisters are adorned with gardens and fountains that create a serene atmosphere.

Religious Art Gallery: Inside the monastery you can see various works of the Cusco School, one of the most important artistic movements of the colonial period, and other pieces of religious art dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Activities at the Monastery of Santa Catalina

• Exploring the Streets and Internal Squares: Walking through the streets, courtyards and internal squares of the monastery is an experience that allows the visitor to discover the architectural beauty and learn about life in the cloister.
• Photography: The monastery’s unique color palette and architectural layout make it one of the most photogenic places in Arequipa. Every corner offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning images.
• Guided Tour: It is recommended to take a guided tour to better understand the history and life in the monastery, as well as the architectural and artistic details of each section.
• Cultural Events: Occasionally, the monastery organizes cultural events and religious art exhibitions, which can enrich the visit.

Recommendations

• Visit Time: Given the size of the monastery and the wealth of details, it is recommended to dedicate at least 1.5 to 2 hours to properly explore it.
• Visit in the Afternoon: In the afternoons, natural light highlights the colors of the walls and patios, offering a better visual experience and ideal conditions for photography.
• Comfortable Clothing and Footwear: The monastery has several cobbled streets and hallways, so it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes to walk without inconvenience.

Costs and Hours

• Visiting Hours: The monastery is open daily, with visiting hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some days it offers night tours until 8:00 p.m., which is a unique experience, as the lighting of the hallways and patios provides a very special atmosphere.
• Entry Cost: General admission costs around 40 soles for adults, 20 soles for students, and 10 soles for children. Night tours usually have an additional cost.

How to Get There

• On Foot: Due to its proximity to the Plaza de Armas, it is accessible on foot from various points in the historic center.
• By Taxi: From any point in Arequipa, taxis can take you to the monastery quickly. It is advisable to use authorized taxi services or mobile applications.
• By Guided Tour: Many Arequipa tours include a stop at the Santa Catalina Monastery and some include the option of night visits.

Extra Tip

If you can, take a night visit, as the monastery has special lighting that enhances the beauty of its courtyards and streets, offering a different and magical perspective of the place. It is also advisable to take advantage of the souvenir shop and the small café located inside the monastery, where you can taste typical sweets and products made by the nuns.

The Santa Catalina Monastery is, without a doubt, a fascinating experience for those looking to learn about the colonial history and religious life of Arequipa, as well as delight in a place of great beauty and serenity.