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Casa Goyeneche is one of the most important colonial mansions in Arequipa and forms part of the city’s historical heritage. It is built with the famous sillar, a volcanic stone widely used in the “White City.”
Around 1558, Martín Almazán had the first house built on the site under the direction of master stonemason Bernardino de Ávila. This house underwent several modifications due to the reconstructions it required after the damage caused by earthquakes and tremors. The house was acquired by Don Juan Crisóstomo Goyeneche in the 18th century, and one of his four sons ordered the mansion to be embellished, turning it in the following years into the most beautiful residence in Arequipa. By the mid-20th century, in 1945, the palace ceased to belong to the Goyeneche family, which led to the dispersal of its art and book collection.
The Central Reserve Bank of Peru acquired the property to turn it into the headquarters of its Arequipa branch, which was inaugurated on December 19, 1970.
Palacio Goyeneche is located at Calle La Merced 205, in the Historic Center of Arequipa.
Because of its proximity to the historic center, the most practical way to get there is on foot from the Main Square. To do this, take Calle La Merced until you reach the intersection with Avenida Palacio Viejo, a walk of approximately 5 minutes.
The white volcanic stone construction is truly remarkable. The main entrance faces Calle La Merced; the large windows on the lower floor feature beautiful wrought-iron grilles; the symmetrically arranged columns blend with the stone baseboards and sidewalks; and on the second floor, the coat of arms of the Goyeneche family can be seen. Its façade combines the solidity of a defensive construction with the elegance of a stately residence and the institutional character it once had as an archiepiscopal palace. After passing through its beautiful entrance portal, visitors enter a hallway covered by a barrel vault, followed by a courtyard with a carved stone fountain. The natural lighting is especially striking, highlighting the beauty of the entire building: the courtyard, the fountain, the walls, the windows, and the inner cylindrical tower.
The house holds 37 colonial paintings, many of which have been restored.
It also has ten sculptures, among which two 17th-century pieces from the Andalusian school by anonymous artists stand out: Our Lady of Sorrows and Ecce Homo. These two carved, polychrome wooden sculptures, with glass eyes, were acquired in very poor condition, with significant structural damage caused by termites and damage to the polychromy. For this reason, the Bank decided to carry out their restoration.
In addition, it has furniture, mortars, candlesticks, and other objects that decorate the offices of the Arequipa Regional Branch, which can be visited by the public.
Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed on holidays.
During your visit to Palacio Goyeneche, please respect the rules: do not touch the furniture or works of art inside the museum, avoid making noise during the tour through the exhibition rooms, and follow the signs established inside the premises.
The city of Arequipa is full of impressive palaces such as Palacio Goyeneche. You can also visit the “Founder’s Mansion” or the “Sabandía Mill.” Most of these tourist attractions are included in the city’s “City Tour” or “Mirabus Tour.”
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