Category: Arequipa

Arequipa Cathedral and its Museum Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa It is a World Heritage Site and one of the first religious buildings built by the Spanish conquistadors in Arequipa. Its style is neo-Renaissance with influences of Gothic architecture. The Cathedral of Arequipa began to be built in 1540, during the founding of the city, and in 1656 its construction was completed. This great work of architecture is made entirely of sillar, the white volcanic stone from the eruptions of volcanoes in the area. In 1844 it endured a fire and in 1868 an earthquake, so its structure had to be rebuilt. Architect Lucas Poblete was in charge of this work. In 2001 another earthquake seriously affected the two towers of the Cathedral, which collapsed and had to be raised again. In the museum you can visit four rooms: two belong to the Treasures of the Cathedral - it contains crowns and religious pieces of ancient gold and silver work -, another one to Ornaments and Cloths and the last one to Religious Paintings. What to see and do in Arequipa Cathedral and its museum? Tour its façade. The beautiful front of the Cathedral has 70 columns, with three portals and two lateral arches. Its two beautiful towers are in Renaissance style and underwent changes from the original ones due to the 2001 earthquake. Admire the impressive Loret organ. Made in Belgium, this majestic instrument of the Cathedral of Arequipa is 12 meters high and has 1206 tubes. If you are lucky enough to be there on a Saturday you will be able to hear his music. It is the second largest in South America. Enjoy the beauty of the sculpture of the 12 apostles. Made entirely of wood, this work stands out together with a carving of King David and

Tourist Places of Arequipa Most popular attractions and sites in the city of Arequipa Discover the best tourist places to visit, activities, attractions and things to do that Arequipa "the White City" has to offer. Plan your trip and enjoy. Misti Volcano: The Misti volcano is the emblem and guardian of Arequipa. It can be seen from almost any point in the city and is one of the most significant attractions. Cathedral of Arequipa and its museum: It is a World Heritage Site and one of the first religious buildings built by the Spanish conquistadors in Arequipa. National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca: This protected area includes volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, lagoons, forests and an abundant and varied fauna of beautiful native species. Viewpoint of Yanahuara: Built in the 19th century, the Yanahuara lookout has the best views of Arequipa and is one of the city's tourist emblems. Choqolaqa Stone Forest: Choqolaqa Stone Forest is at 5200 meters above sea level and is also known as Nauqqa Arequipa or Nueva Arequipa. Sillar Route: These huge quarries originated from the eruptions of the Chachani volcano and are located very close to Arequipa. Colca Canyon: The Colca Canyon is ranked as the second deepest in the world and the first in the continent with its 4610 meters deep. Cotahuasi Natural Reserve: This protected area was created in 2005 with the objective of preserving natural, scenic, biological and cultural assets. Sumbay Caves: The Sumbay Caves were discovered in 1968 and house around 500 extraordinary cave paintings. Andean Sanctuary Museum: The frozen body of "Juanita" , a girl from Inca times found during an expedition to the Ampato Volcano, is the main attraction of this museum. Santa Catalina Monastery: This Monastery founded in 1579 and located in the center of the city is one