Irriberry Mansion

Casa Arróspide, also known as Casa Irriberry, is an old Arequipa mansion that currently serves as the headquarters of the Cultural Center of the National University of San Agustín of Arequipa. It was formerly known as the Chávez de la Rosa Cultural Complex. Its construction began in 1743 at the initiative of Doña María Gregoria, widow of Benavides y Moscoso, with the purpose of serving as an Episcopal Palace. This is supported by one of the inscriptions made by its builder, which reads: “Esta casa se hiso el año de 1743. Por Dios le pydo al que bybyere en ella, un Padre Nuestro.”

History of Casa Irriberry

This house was built on a plot measuring 23 meters wide by 56 meters deep. Due to the large area it occupies, it follows the traditional style of an Arequipa mansion, with rooms, a terrace, and patios. The façade was originally designed in three sections: a central one with a large wooden doorway, a wicket door, and decorative nailheads; and, at the top, a projecting cornice enriched with neoclassical decorative elements.

Today, the mansion is managed by the National University of San Agustín of Arequipa and operates as the UNSA Cultural Center, with rooms dedicated to exhibitions, artistic activities, and cultural programming.

Where is it located?

It is located at Calle Santa Catalina 101, in the Historic Center of Arequipa, near the intersection with Calle San Agustín.

Highlights of Casa Irriberry

Its rooms have been adapted for the presentation of painting and sculpture exhibitions, as well as for social events and various contemporary art exhibitions and sales.

• The mestizo Baroque doorway: one of the finest examples of Arequipa Baroque. The combination of white sillar stone with reliefs of leaves, cords, cherubs, and religious messages creates one of the most beautiful façades in the historic center.
• The first patio, a colonial oasis: a cobblestone courtyard surrounded by arches, with a central palm tree that provides shade and creates a quiet atmosphere, ideal for photography.
• Old passageways and arches: the stone corridors connect the different areas of the house. The arches and columns show the precision of local stone carving.
• Old halls and vaults: inside, the mansion preserves vaults, thick walls, and some pictorial details. Today, these halls serve as art exhibition rooms.
• Private chapel: a small gem inside the mansion. Its sober walls and religious elements tell part of the family’s spiritual history.
• Cultural exhibitions and contemporary art: the mansion regularly hosts painting, sculpture, and photography exhibitions, as well as activities by local artists, blending past and present.

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Opening hours may vary depending on the cultural program. It is recommended to check the current opening hours through the UNSA Cultural Center’s official channels before your visit.