Santa Catalina Monastery Museum

The Santa Catalina Monastery, also known as Convento de Santa Catalina, is a religious tourist complex situated in the historic center of Arequipa, Peru. This monastery was founded on September 10, 1579, and is renowned for its natural beauty and welcoming climate. The architecture of the monastery is unique, constructed from sillar, a white volcanic rock from the Chachani volcano, and pink sillar from the Misti volcano, the latter being a symbol of the city. Despite being located in the heart of the city, the monastery is completely isolated, surrounded by a solid 4-meter high wall.

Public Opening

In 1970, a large part of the Santa Catalina Monastery opened its doors to the public. The nuns allowed a private company to manage the monastery, which still houses nuns in the northern part of the complex. This marked a significant shift from the monastery's previous seclusion and added a new chapter to its rich history.

Architectural Evolution

Over the centuries, the Santa Catalina Monastery has undergone various modifications and additions, making it a human-scale display of Arequipa's colonial architecture. The narrow streets and cloisters are filled with colorful flowers, and the walls are painted in fresh tints. The narrow alleys lead to various parts of the convent, passing through picturesque sites and living and sleeping areas with original furniture.