Arequipa Walking Tour & Santa Catalina Convent




Arequipa is unquestionably one of the prettiest cities in Peru. Founded in 1540 by the Spanish conquistadors, it is now home to just over one million people, making it the second largest city in Peru after Lima. Arequipa has a distinct look thanks to the white Sillar stone, mined from nearby volcanoes, used in the construction of many of its buildings. For this reason, Arequipa is known as the White City. The city is full of impressive colonial and Republican-era architecture, both in the city center and neighboring districts. And in the distance, you can see the peaks of surrounding volcanoes, most famously Misti, an ever-present reminder of the region’s volcanic activity. During our walking tour, you’ll learn more about this fascinating city, one of the most unique urban centers in Peru, as well as the fascinating Santa Catalina Convent within the city.
If you enjoy walking, escaping the monotony, and getting to know the center of Arequipa City, a walking tour is your best option. We will visit the church of the Society of Jesus, a very important place in the white city of Arequipa. The church of the Society of Jesus had much preponderance during the time of the viceroyalty in the city as well as other places in southern Peru and northern Bolivia. Within the grounds of this church are very famous works of art, such as The Child and the Virgin, by the renowned Italian artist Bernardo Bitti The church is built from the old sillar quarries of the Misti volcano. We will continue our walk to the center of the city to see its beautiful main square, visit the Cathedral, and go to the famous house Tristan del Pozo – the Arequipeño art house. This building still preserves its original colonial architecture in its facade and entrance doors. In its interior are many art samples from the Arequipa school. As in many of the buildings in the white city of Arequipa, the Arequipeño art house is constructed from white stone sillar. Finally, we continue walking towards the Santa Catalina Convent. We will appreciate the unique architecture of the building and the art and paintings of the famous Cusco school. This "city within the city" has a peculiar charm that can only be appreciated by being there. At the end of our visit to the convent, we will be taken back to our respective hotels.
Would you like this tour as a private service?



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