It is located on a 20,000-square-meter area, divided into four quarters that emulate the urban layout of early colonial Arequipa. The monastery features numerous rooms, beautiful courtyards, ornamental fountains, and winding cobblestone streets.
A citadel of women devoted to prayer and charity, Santa Catalina is more than a monastery—it’s a crucible of secrets waiting to be discovered in every corner of the complex.
An Architectural Treasure in the Heart of Arequipa
The enigmatic sillar stone walls enclose one of Arequipa’s most important living architectural treasures. The Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena is one of the most visited places in Peru. Its impressive architecture and rich history make it a must-see for those who want to experience the colonial essence of the White City. The monastery has remained intact for more than 500 years, preserving the legacy of hundreds of women who devoted their lives to prayer. It is more than a religious space—it is a journey through time, a city within a city, full of mystery and beauty.
History of the Monastery of Santa Catalina
During the visit of Viceroy Francisco de Toledo to Arequipa, the city council expressed their wish to establish a convent for nuns. In response, he granted the necessary licenses to found the “Private Monastery of Nuns of the Order of Saint Catherine of Siena.” Years later, in 1579, Doña María de Guzmán, a wealthy widow with no heirs, decided to retreat into the monastery under construction, donating all her belongings. On September 10 of that same year, the capitulation agreement for the founding of the monastery was signed between the city council, the judiciary, the city’s governing body, and the Bishopric of Cusco. The agreement granted four city-owned lots for the operation of the monastery and named Doña María de Guzmán as the “first resident and prioress of the monastery.”
Initially, this place was intended as a cloistered convent for women of Spanish aristocracy, who lived under strict religious rules. Upon entering, women had to pay a dowry, making the nuns quite wealthy at the time. In 1871, Pope Pius IX sent a Dominican nun to reform the Monastery of Santa Catalina.
In the 1960s, another earthquake struck the city, again damaging the monastery’s internal structures. The nuns had to build new facilities adjacent to the monastery. The damaged areas of the Monastery of Santa Catalina were gradually restored, and today, the monastery is a living museum where art, history, and religion combine to offer a unique experience for visitors.
Monastery Architecture: A Town Within the City
The Monastery of Santa Catalina stands out not only for its architectural design but also for its natural beauty, welcoming climate, and its unique construction material: sillar, a porous volcanic lava stone. This material allows for unique architectural forms, with proportionate spaces that provide great aesthetic value. It also enables the carving of façades and fine decorative details, enriching its picturesque style—from Renaissance to Mudejar. This gives Arequipa a distinct colonial identity where native and colonial elements blend harmoniously.
Unlike other colonial structures in Arequipa, particularly in the Monastery of Santa Catalina, one can observe the fusion of Spanish and native architectural elements, enhancing its uniqueness.
What stands out most about the Monastery of Santa Catalina is that it resembles a small town within the city. It has cobblestone streets, plazas, fountains, and colorful walls painted in reddish, orange, and blue tones, mimicking life in a Spanish city.
Main Attractions Inside the Monastery
Among the most important attractions of the Monastery of Santa Catalina are:
| ATTRACTION | DESCRIPTION |
| Novices’ Cloister | Marked by a large rubber tree at the entrance, this area was where new nuns spent their early years. They took a vow of silence and dedicated their lives to prayer and work. They served as novices for four years. The cells and common areas still preserve original furnishings that reflect the austerity of religious life at the time. |
| Orange Tree Cloister | This area was for the nuns after completing their novitiate. It is named for the orange trees that adorn its center. Here you’ll also find the Sala Profundis, a room dedicated to mourning and honoring deceased nuns. |
| Córdoba Street | Just beyond the Orange Tree Cloister is a street where the nuns’ private cells were located. These small rooms were simple and austere, reflecting a life of prayer and seclusion. |
| The Grand Cloister | This cloister is surrounded by the chapel and the art gallery. The building is shaped like a cross and features murals of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, adding a solemn and spiritual ambiance. |
| Art Gallery (Pinacoteca) | Approximately 400 pieces were restored to recover their original appearance—a collection of extraordinary artistic and historical value. |
Guided Tours: How to Explore the Monastery
To better understand the history and details of this place, the monastery offers professional guides in several languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. The price for a guided tour is S/. 20.00 in addition to the entrance fee, and the tour lasts approximately two hours. This time allows visitors to learn about life in the monastery and its invaluable historical value.
Location, Hours, and Entrance Fees
The Santa Catalina Monastery is located in the historic center of Arequipa, just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, making it an easily accessible place for tourists.
Address: Calle Santa Catalina 301, Arequipa, Peru.
| OPERATING HOURS | TIME | NOTE |
| Monday to Sunday | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Last visitor entry is at 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM (Santa Catalina at Night) | Last visitor entry is at 7:30 PM |
| ENTRY FEE | COST |
|---|---|
| Adult Foreigners | S/ 45.00 |
| Adult Peruvians | S/ 45.00 |
| Foreigners Aged 7 to 21 | S/ 25.00 (Must present identification) |
| Undergraduate Peruvian Students | S/ 15.00 (Present valid student ID, virtual or physical) |
| Peruvian Senior Citizens | S/ 25.00 (Must be over 60 years old, present DNI, and be a Peruvian national) |
| Peruvian Schoolchildren | S/ 6.00 (Peruvian minors) |
| Promotional Day for Peruvians | Adults: S/ 15.00 Schoolchildren: S/ 5.00 (Children under 7 years old enter free) The 10th of each month and the last Sunday of each month (Except for National Holidays, the Promotion moves to the following Sunday) • Present DNI |
It is important to note that tickets can be purchased online with a reserved time slot. Payments can be made with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, UnionPay, and Maestro. The guided service is optional and not included in the ticket price. If you’re visiting Arequipa, the Santa Catalina Monastery is a must-see. It is a true architectural and historical gem offering a unique view of religious and cultural life in colonial Peru.
