The ‘Monasterio de Santa Catalina’ is a beautiful monastery located in the historical city of Arequipa, Peru. The monastery was built-in 1579 from the volcanic sillars stone. Maria de Guzman, a rich widow, is the foundress of the monastery. It was a house of nuns in ancient times.
Of late, it includes cloisters, living quarters, a plaza, a chapel, and an art gallery. Monasterio de Santa Catalina covers about 18000 square meters of the area. It houses sculptures and paintings that portray the scenes from the bible- the ups and downs in the life of Jesus and the struggle and righteousness of the Virgin Mary.
Several unique and beautiful courtyards with lovely flower beds, ancient condo-style rooms with colored walls, kitchens of a bygone age, and many small lanes will capture your attention in the vicinity of the monastery. Devastating earthquakes destroyed several parts of the monastery, yet the mural paintings on the lower choir of the church are original and boast of amazing Viceroyal architecture.
Some parts of the monastery are quite in the limelight for hosting cultural programs that help to promote the culture and traditions of the past amongst the locals. This ancient edifice is a religious place that attracts millions of tourists every year. It is an excellent site to explore and revisit the glorious history of the monastery where once nuns lived, cherished the moment, and dedicated their lives to God. You can also explore the souvenir shop and the coffee shop to have light snacks and cups of coffee prepared by the nuns inside the monastery. It is a great historical place right in the middle of the city of Arequipa.
The Chapel where nuns used to pray and lights candles
Courtyards filled with colourful flower beds
Take a sneak peek of the mortuary where dead nuns were mourned
Don't miss out the art Gallery
Have a look at the portrait in the monastery of Santa Catalina De Siena
Pay attention to the emblems of the cloister of Naranjos
Must-try dessert prepared by nuns
Visit souvenir shop
The place is about 8.5 Kilometer from Arequipa Airport
By Taxi:
It takes about 13 minutes and the fare would cost between $3 - $4 USD
Hire a local guide to know about the history of the monastery
Wear comfortable boots
Carry enough water to drink
You can keep your valuables in the locker while roaming around the monastery
Pay attention to the map installed at the entrance
Ask about the theatrical visitation program for tourists
Wear comfortable clothing
Start early to avoid the crowd
Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Monday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed to the public- Good Friday, December 25 and January 1st
Waiting Time
10 minutes
To buy tickets
Entrance Fee
Sol /40.00 per person
Free admission- children under 7 years
Time you can spend
1 to 2 hours
Weather
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Official Site 