Santa Catalina Convent

History

The Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena was founded on September 10, 1579, and over time became a true convent city within Arequipa. Its origin was linked to Viceroy Francisco de Toledo and Doña María de Guzmán, recognized as the monastery’s first resident and prioress.

The complex covers an area of approximately 20,000 square meters, and its layout recalls the early neighborhoods of the city of Arequipa. Its interior streets, patios, cloisters, cells, gardens, and religious spaces reflect the cloistered life that developed here for more than four centuries.

For a long time, the monastery remained surrounded by an aura of mystery due to the closed nature of convent life. In 1970, an important part of the complex opened its doors to the public, allowing visitors to discover one of the most unique religious complexes in Peru.

Description

The monastery’s architecture is mainly colonial and mestizo, built with sillar, the volcanic stone characteristic of Arequipa. The complex includes cloisters, portals, towers, domes, narrow streets, patios, gardens, and spaces that preserve the atmosphere of an old religious city.

Among its main spaces are the monastery entrance, the Patio of Silence, the Cloister of the Orange Trees, the Main Cloister, the kitchen, the laundry area, the bell tower, the church, and the art gallery. Its rooms display religious paintings, works linked to the Cusco School of Painting, and pieces of historical, artistic, and devotional value.

Origin of the Name

The Monastery of Santa Catalina is named after Saint Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century Italian mystic linked to Dominican spirituality and recognized as one of the most important saints of the Catholic Church.

Where is it located and how to get there?

The Monastery of Santa Catalina is located at Santa Catalina Street 301, in the historic center of Arequipa, just a few blocks from the Main Square.

From the Main Square, you can walk there in just a few minutes. It is also possible to take a taxi from any point in the historic center.

Attractions and Activities

When visiting the Monastery of Santa Catalina, visitors can:

• Explore the cloisters: discover the different cloisters of the monastery, each with its own architectural style and history.
• Walk along the cobblestone streets: feel transported to another era while strolling through the monastery’s narrow streets, which preserve their original names, such as Toledo Street, Burgos Street, and Córdoba Street.
• Visit the nuns’ cells: observe how the nuns lived in their cells, which still preserve some original furniture and objects.
• Admire the works of art: appreciate the paintings, sculptures, and other religious objects displayed in the monastery.
• Learn about the monastery’s history: discover its foundation, convent life, and the evolution of the monastery over the centuries.

Opening Hours

The regular visiting hours are Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the monastery is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with last admission until 6:00 p.m.
The monastery is closed to the public on Good Friday, December 25, and January 1. Opening hours may vary, so it is recommended to verify the current information before your visit.

Admission Fees

Tickets can be purchased online or at the monastery ticket office. Payments can be made by card or in cash. Guided service is optional and is not included in the ticket price.

• Foreign adult: S/ 50.00
• Foreign visitors from 7 to 18 years old: S/ 30.00
• Peruvian adults: S/ 50.00
• Peruvian undergraduate university students: S/ 20.00
• Peruvian senior citizens (over 60 years old, presenting a DNI and being Peruvian by birth): S/ 30.00
• Peruvian school students: S/ 6.00
• Children under 7 years old: free admission.

Promotional day for Peruvians: it takes place on the 10th day of each month and on the last Sunday of the month. It does not apply during Peruvian Independence Holidays. A DNI must be presented.

• Adults: S/ 20.00
• School students: S/ 5.00

The promotional day for Peruvians takes place on the 10th day of each month and on the last Sunday of the month. It does not apply during Peruvian Independence Holidays. A DNI must be presented.