The Founder’s Mansion

The Founder’s Mansion is one of the most important and well-preserved colonial houses in Arequipa, Peru. Built in the 16th century, this historic residence belonged to the city’s founder, Garcí Manuel de Carbajal. With its colonial patios, halls decorated with period furniture, and its interesting sillar architecture (a volcanic stone typical of the region), this mansion offers visitors a trip to the viceregal past and an opportunity to better understand the colonial history of Arequipa.

Location

The Founder’s Mansion is located in the Sabandía district, about 9 km south of the center of Arequipa. It is accessible by a 20-30 minute drive by car or taxi from the city center. Being in a semi-rural area, the setting is quiet and picturesque, surrounded by fields and mountains.

What the Founder’s Mansion Offers

The Founder’s Mansion is a historic structure built of ashlar, and its colonial architecture is decorated with original pieces and antique furniture that reflect the aristocratic life of colonial Peru. Visitors can tour its rooms, patios and gardens, each with architectural and decorative details from the period.

Main Attractions

1. Period Rooms: The mansion has rooms decorated with colonial furniture and objects, including four-poster beds, antique mirrors and chandeliers. Some of the rooms include portraits and paintings that illustrate the history of the mansion and its owners.
2. Colonial Chapel: The mansion has a small chapel that preserves original architectural details, offering a glimpse of religious life in the colonial era.
3. Patios and Gardens: The patios are decorated with fountains and gardens full of typical vegetation of the area. These open spaces are ideal for enjoying the natural environment surrounding the mansion.
4. Historical Artifacts Exhibition: Ancient artifacts such as religious art, period tableware, and farming tools are displayed in several of the rooms, showing the lifestyle of the families who lived in the mansion.

Activities

• Guided Tours: Guided tours are offered to learn more about the history and architecture of the mansion, as well as curiosities and stories about the families who lived there.
• Photography: The architecture of the mansion, with its ashlar arches and colonial patios, is ideal for taking photographs of both its exterior and interior decorated with antique objects.
• Walk through the Gardens: The gardens and surroundings allow for a relaxing walk where you can appreciate nature and the landscape design of the mansion.

Recommendations

• Visit in the Morning: Mornings are usually clearer and offer better lighting to enjoy the architectural details and take photos.
• Comfortable Clothing: The visit involves walking through the rooms and gardens, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Consider a Full Tour: The Founder’s Mansion is part of several tourist routes in Arequipa that include visits to other points of interest in Sabandía, such as the Molino de Sabandía, which allows you to make the most of the tour.

Costs and Hours

• Hours: The mansion is open to the public from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Entrance Fee: The entrance costs approximately 15 to 20 soles per person, although the price may vary for children and seniors. Guided tours usually have an additional cost.

How to Get There

• By Taxi: From the center of Arequipa, you can take a taxi to the mansion, costing between 15 and 25 soles.
• By Organized Tour: Many agencies in Arequipa offer guided tours that include transportation to the mansion, a convenient option for those who want to learn about the history of the place.
• Public Transport: Although it is possible to get there by public transport from the centre of Arequipa, it can be a bit more complicated and take longer.

Extra Tip

A visit to the Founder’s Mansion is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Arequipa’s colonial history and enjoy its architectural heritage. Being close to the Molino de Sabandía, it is an excellent idea to combine both visits in one day and enjoy the historical charm of this area.