Santa Catalina Monastery
Arequipa
The Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, located in the heart of Arequipa, Peru, is a sprawling religious complex founded in 1579 by Dominican nuns. Covering over 20,000 square meters, it is often described as a 'city within a city' due to its intricate network of narrow streets, plazas, and neighborhoods that emulate Arequipa's colonial urban layout. Constructed primarily from white and pink volcanic tuff sourced from nearby volcanoes Chachani and Misti, the monastery features robust walls and flying buttresses designed to withstand frequent earthquakes. Historically, it served as a cloistered convent for wealthy criolla and mestiza women, with private cells built to ensure safety and privacy. The architecture combines Baroque elements, including a richly adorned chapel with a carved and gilded wooden altar, and numerous paintings from the Cusco School. After centuries of seclusion, much of the monastery opened to the public in 1970, allowing visitors to explore its unique blend of religious, cultural, and architectural heritage while nuns still reside in a restricted area. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to colonial-era religious life in Peru.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during morning hours to avoid crowds and to purchase tickets in advance, especially in high season. The monastery offers free WiFi and a multilingual audio guide app for a richer experience. Guided tours are available in several languages. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. Photography sessions require prior permission and must follow established guidelines to respect other visitors and the site's sanctity.
Interesting facts
- •The monastery covers more than 20,000 square meters, effectively forming a small city within Arequipa.
- •It is built using white and pink volcanic tuff from the nearby Chachani and Misti volcanoes, the latter being a city emblem.
- •The complex was designed to be earthquake-resistant with flying buttresses and strong arches.
- •At its peak, the monastery housed over 300 nuns and many servants, mainly from wealthy families.
- •The monastery remained largely closed to the public until 1970, preserving its mystery and silence.
History
The Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena was founded on September 10, 1579, following a license granted by Viceroy Francisco de Toledo.
Its first buildings were completed by 1580 but were destroyed by earthquakes in 1600 and 1604.
The monastery was rebuilt in the late 17th century, evolving into a self-contained citadel isolated by four-meter-high walls.
It housed over 300 nuns and servants by the mid-18th century, primarily from wealthy local families.
In 1747, some nuns left to establish the Santa Rosa Monastery in Arequipa.
The monastery remained cloistered and secretive until 1970, when parts opened to the public under private management, while some nuns continue to live in the complex.
Place Guide
Main Plaza
The central open space around which the monastery's streets and neighborhoods are arranged, reflecting the urban design of colonial Arequipa.
Private CellsLate 17th century
Individual living quarters built for the nuns, reflecting their social status and need for privacy, featuring unique architectural details and decorations.
Chapel with Baroque Altar17th-18th century
The monastery's chapel houses a finely carved and gilded wooden Baroque altar with one body and three lanes, adorned with paintings from the Cusco School.
Walls and FortificationsLate 17th century
Robust four-meter-high walls isolate the monastery from the city, designed to maintain cloistered life and protect the inhabitants.
Contact
Phone: (054) 221213
