Arequipa, known for its majestic volcanoes and natural landscapes, is also home to important historical museums. In the “White City”, you can admire Inca mummies that are more than 550 years old, in perfect preservation, as well as an impressive collection of religious art, colonial treasures, paintings, and objects made of silver, gold, and other precious pieces. The museums of Arequipa house a vast wealth of historical and cultural treasures that narrate the events that marked the life of this iconic city in Peru. There is nothing more enriching than discovering the cultural legacy of the place you visit. Below, I present the main museums you cannot miss during your visit to the White City.
Arequipa: A Cultural Destination with Must-See Museums
Among its main attractions are its museums and convents, which offer visitors an immersion in the history, art, and religious life of the city. If you are planning a visit to Arequipa, we recommend you not miss some of the most outstanding museums that reveal the best-kept secrets of this historic city.
The Main Museums or Convents in Arequipa
| MUSEUMS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Arequipa Andean Sanctuaries Museum | Its main attraction is the Juanita Mummy, a young Inca sacrificed over 500 years ago, known as “The Ice Maiden.” The museum not only displays mummies and ceremonial objects but also invites visitors to reflect on the spirituality and beliefs of the Andean peoples, especially concerning the human sacrifices made to the mountain gods. |
| Santa Catalina Monastery of Arequipa | Located in an area of 20,000 square meters, with four neighborhoods that emulate the early colonial urban distribution of Arequipa. The monastery houses numerous rooms, beautiful plazas, ornamental fountains, and winding cobbled streets. |
| José María Morante Museum of Arequipa | This museum honors the local artist José María Morante and his legacy in the city. In addition to its focus on art, the museum also serves as a guardian of the cultural and historical heritage of Arequipa and southern Peru. With a large collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts, it allows visitors to explore the rich history of the ancient civilizations of the region. |
| Arequipa Municipal Historical Museum | It is dedicated to preserving and disseminating the local history from the colonial and republican periods. Through its collections and exhibitions, it allows one to understand the cultural heritage of the region, covering everything from pre-Hispanic times to Peru’s independence. |
| La Recoleta Convent Museum in Arequipa | Built by the Franciscan Order in 1648, the La Recoleta Convent Museum houses invaluable historical treasures. Its library, which holds more than 20,000 works, includes copies dating back to the 16th century, and it preserves valuable printed books from the 15th century, making it one of the most important religious archives in Peru. |
