Monasterio de Santa Catalina (Santa Catalina Monastery), Arequipa

The Monastery of Santa Catalina is a captivating enclave, distinguished not only by its vibrant colonial architecture but also by the enigmatic tales concealed within its walls for centuries.

Established in the 16th century during the Spanish settlement of Peru, the Monastery of Santa Catalina emerged from the aspirations of Arequipa's residents. Francisco de Toledo heeded their pleas for a sanctuary where nuns could devote themselves to their faith and duties. Thus, the viceroy commissioned the construction of a grand monastery, unwittingly birthing one of the nation's most significant landmarks.

On September 10, 1579, amidst Arequipa's nascent years, the Monastery of Santa Catalina was unveiled, a testament to colonial opulence that endures today despite enduring numerous earthquakes. Its labyrinthine streets invite exploration on foot. The inaugural residents hailed from diverse backgrounds, spanning Creole, mestizo, and even descendants of curacas, the Inca Empire's political elite, united by unwavering religious fervor.

Spanning over 20,000 square meters, the monastery boasts 22 chambers, including the evocative Patio del Silencio and Cloister of the Orange Trees, now accessible as an outdoor museum.

Constructed with Arequipa's signature white and pink ashlars sourced from Mount Chachani and Mount Misti, the monastery blends Spanish techniques with local materials, epitomizing Peruvian colonial architecture.

Strolling its cobblestone pathways, visitors are transported through time, enveloped in the silence and intrigue that permeate its walls, occasionally encountering cloistered nuns who still reside within its confines.