Santa Catalina Monastery, Arequipa – Peru

This monastery founded in 1579 and located in the center of the city is one of the best examples of Arequipa’s colonial architecture. It is built in white ashlar, extracted from the Chachani volcano, and pink ashlar, from the Misti volcano.

With the endorsement of Viceroy Francisco Toledo and by donation of Doña María de Guzmán, this convent was built to house nuns of the Order of Saint Catherine of Siena. It once contained a population of 300 women.

In its streets and rooms you can see the old way of life of the sisters, the cells where they lived, the work they did and works of art of great patrimonial value. In addition, there are ruins and evidence of the effects on this place of an earthquake that occurred in the sixteenth century, which completely demolished an upper floor it had.

From 1970 to the present, this building has been managed by a private company, which has kept a sector to house a few nuns and the rest to be exploited for tourist, cultural and event rental purposes.

What to do in Santa Catalina Monastery?

Observe its particular architectural style. The typical Arequipa colonial style manifests its beauty with colorful blocks of ashlar stone forming arches, vaults, large cells and patios.

Stroll through its streets, cells and rooms. You will be able to see the Locutorio -where the nuns had contact with the outside world-, the Sala de Labores, the Patio del Silencio -where they prayed-, chapels, oratories and a laundry. It also has a cemetery, warehouse and kitchen. The cells where they lived had a private patio and kitchen, which included a clay oven.

Climb to the lookout point. From there you will have a spectacular view of the imposing Misti volcano.

Enjoy its rich art gallery. With representative works of the Cuzco School, in this space of the Monastery you will be able to enjoy around 400 works that represent the best of the artistic fusion between Europeans and Incas.

See the effects caused by the earthquake on its structure. During the 16th century there was an earthquake in the city that caused great damage to the Monastery, destroying its upper floor. Today you can still see some ruins and stairs leading up to nowhere.

Buy souvenirs or take a break in their cafeteria. To take a break after the tour you can sit down for a coffee or buy a souvenir in the store inside.

How to get to Santa Catalina Monastery?

It is located at 301 Santa Catalina Street, between Ugarte and Zela, only 550 meters from Arequipa’s Main Square. Its central location makes it easy to reach on foot from the main tourist sites and lodgings in the city.

Recommendations

Days and hours of visitation. The Monastery can be visited on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Access hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Access is by ticket. To enter you must buy a ticket at the ticket office that costs 40 soles for adults, 12 for Peruvian university students, 20 for Peruvian adults over 60 years of age -presenting ID-, 6 for Peruvian school children and 20 for foreigners from 7 to 21 years of age -presenting ID-. In addition, on the 10th and last Sunday of each month, access costs 5 soles for any Peruvian citizen.

Guide service. The guide service is not included in the ticket and is optional. The price is 20 soles and the tour lasts between one and a half and two hours.

Night visit. In the months of July and August there is the possibility of visiting the Monastery by night, experiencing a completely different atmosphere from the daytime tour.

Ask for a map of the monastery at the entrance. It is not difficult to get lost among the streets and cells of the monastery. It is advisable to ask for a map of the place when you buy your ticket to avoid wandering around the same places over and over again.

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