Santa Catalina Monastery

The monastery of Santa Catalina is one of the main attractions of the city of Arequipa. The monastery was built in 1580 on the ruins of an ancient Inca monastery and served as intended until 1970. It is a representative of the colonial era of Peru. The walls are decorated with paintings and frescoes.

The monastery occupies an area of 20,000 square meters and is in fact a separate quarter of the city, with its streets and courtyards. In the temple there is a gallery of paintings of the XVII century depicting biblical scenes. There is also a collection of Indian art, including indigenous and Spanish styles, as well as carpets and clothing, which are embroidered with gold and silver needles.

Near the altar of the monastery of gilded cedar, a statue of the Holy Heart of Jesus Christ was erected.

The monastery of Santa Catalina is open daily from 9 to 15.00, from Tuesday to Thursday - from 8 to 20.00.