Arequipa Main Square – Peru – Historic Center

The entrance gates to know the history, culture and idiosyncrasy of Arequipa are undoubtedly its Plaza de Armas and its historic center. There you can learn about the most important events that took place in the city, its urban characteristics and the rhythm of its social life.

The Plaza de Armas is surrounded by important buildings of mestizo architecture and has in its center the figure of “Tuturutu”, a messenger soldier of the XVI century. From there, it is also possible to catch a glimpse of Misti, the guardian of the city.

The colonial buildings built in white sillar -a volcanic stone- are a symbol that gives identity to the city and can be found in several neighborhoods, but are especially abundant in the historic center.

Museums such as the Andean Sanctuaries or the Viceroyalty Art and religious buildings such as the Cathedral or the Convent of Santa Catalina, are just some of the many places of interest that can be visited in the historic center of the city.

What to see and do in the Plaza de Armas – Centro Histórico?

Observe the traditional buildings that surround it. In addition to the Cathedral, three granite portals and brick and lime vaults are located around the Plaza. Their names are Portal de la Municipal, Portal de San Agustín and Portal de Flores.

Visit the Cathedral of Arequipa and its museum. Built in the 15th century, the Cathedral of Arequipa underwent major remodeling throughout history with the different earthquakes that affected its structure. In its interior jewels and sculptures of great value stand out, besides an organ of 12 meters high.

Visit the complex of the Society of Jesus. This building is the best example of the mestizo style of Arequipa architecture.

Enter the Church of San Agustín. It was the former seat of the Universidad Nacional San Agustín and remained standing after the great earthquake of 1868.

Surprise yourself in the Monastery of Santa Catalina. For more than 400 years it functioned exclusively as a cloistered center for nuns. Today it is open to tourism to show its beautiful and mysterious corners.

Discover the San Francisco Complex. Another building of great historical and architectural value, which despite its 400 years of existence withstood major earthquakes.

Enjoy the Museo de Arte Virreinal and the church of Santa Teresa. This museum offers a remarkable journey through more than 300 years of history through important works of art.

Go to La Recoleta Convent Museum. It contains paintings of the Cusquenian and Arequipa schools as well as a library, pre-Columbian art, religious art and spaces dedicated to the Peruvian Amazon.

Dazzle yourself in the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries. The Inca mummy Juanita, more than 500 years old, is kept there from May to December. Sarita is exhibited from January to April.

Tour traditional colonial mansions. With mixed-race architecture, vaulted ceilings and large interior courtyards, these old mansions are of great heritage value to the city. The best known are Casa Tristán del Pozo, Casa Goyeneche and Casa del Moral.

How to get to the Plaza de Armas – Historic Center?

The Plaza de Armas and the historic center of Arequipa are the social, economic and tourist hub of the city, so it can be reached easily from any point by public transportation or walking.

Recommendations:

Travel time. One day is enough to visit the main places in the historic center of Arequipa, since most of the sites are very close to the Plaza de Armas.

What to bring? For a comfortable walking tour through the center of Arequipa it is important that you wear good shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Just in case, always carry some cash and your camera, as you will see many sites worth photographing.

Where to eat? A good place to eat in the historic center of Arequipa is the San Camilo Market. In this place there is a wide variety of food and beverages and very affordable prices.