Inner street of the Monastery of Santa Catalina with indigo walls

Jewel of the Historic Centre of Arequipa · UNESCO World Heritage Site (2000)

A city within the city

Founded in 1579, this magnificent 20,000-square-metre complex remained closed off from the world for nearly four centuries. Today, its narrow stone-and-sillar lanes, its cloisters and its Art Gallery throw open their doors to welcome you into the colonial soul of Arequipa.

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A legacy that spans the centuries

Over 400 years of conventual life preserved in a single place

Since its founding in 1579, the Monastery of Santa Catalina has preserved its traditions, its colonial sillar architecture and its valuable art collection. Behind its walls, spiritual life continues to this day. Declared National Cultural Heritage of Peru in 1944, it is part of the Historic Centre of Arequipa, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2000.

Spaces

The most iconic places

Cloister of the Orange Trees

Cloister

Cloister of the Orange Trees

381 m² · Indigo blue color

Toledo Street

Street

Toledo Street

The colonial heart of the monastery

Pinacoteca

Hall

Pinacoteca

92 colonial paintings

Main Cloister

Cloister

Main Cloister

753 m² · The largest

Practical information

Plan your visit

Everything you need to know to live the experience

Hours

Monday to Sunday

9:00 — 18:00

Tuesday & Wednesday 9:00 — 19:00

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Main Cloister lit for events

Event services

Celebrate in a unique setting

Seven heritage spaces for weddings, corporate events, concerts and professional photo sessions. Capacity up to 753 people.

7

spaces

753

people

381 m²

max area

Live the monastery

Programs and experiences

Beyond the traditional visit

Educational

Program

Educational

Discovering our heritage. Designed for preschool, primary and secondary students, with topics adapted to each level.

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Theatrical tours

Experience

Theatrical tours

Live the monastery like never before. Historical characters guide you through the most emblematic spaces.

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Professional guides

Service

Professional guides

Independent professional guides in 7 languages, with extensive experience in colonial history and architecture. Tours of approximately one hour.

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Consecutive years

International recognition

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice

20122025

Over a decade of tourism excellence recognised by travellers worldwide. Each award is given to the top 10% of tourist attractions in the world.

  • · National Cultural Heritage · Peru · 1944
  • · Jewel of the Historic Centre of Arequipa · UNESCO World Heritage Site (2000)