Sights and landmarks in Arequipa

Sights and landmarks in Arequipa

1. See

   Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Arequipa

   This 16th-century mestizo style (Andean Baroque) building was opened to the public in 1978, and is notable for its sillar walls and brick vault with a single nave.

2. See

   Casa Tristan del Pozo

   Built in 1738 as the residence of general Domingo Carlos Tristán del Pozo, nowadays the building houses a branch of the BBVA Perú bank. The building features beautiful stone carvings above the entrance portal, like many buildings in Old Arequipa. This grand building has a total of 5 patios.

3. See

   Casa del Moral

   A grand two-story house in Baroque-Moorish style, built in 1773 and named after an old mulberry plant on its patio. The entrance features magnificent stone carvings, and the wooden doors inside the building are also decorated in the same way. Inside the building you can see furniture and paintings by artists from the Cuzco School (Escuela Cuzqueña) from the colonial era.

   3.50 soles

4. See

   Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa

   la Basílica Catedral de Arequipa

   The first cathedral was built in 1544. This reconstruction dates from 1848, with a substantial repair after the 2001 earthquake caused the towers to collapse through the roof. The tour takes you into the Basilica, and to see the cathedral's collection of liturgical items in precious metals & gemstones, and sacremental garments. You are also taken up to the roof to see the bell tower and for views of the Plaza de Armas and the city.

   Basilica, museum and towers: Mon–Sat 10:00-17:00, closed Sun·S/10 for admission and S/5 "tip" for required guided tour

5. See

   Convento de Santa Teresa

   A little off the usual tourist path, in downtown Arequipa. It is not as architecturally interesting as the Convento de Santa Catalina, but some of the paintings and artifacts are stunning.

6. See

   Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús de Arequipa

   An Andean Baroque style church, finished in 1698. Like many major colonial-era buildings in Arequipa it's built out of sillar (volcanic rock) with carved façades, though the carvings on this church are some of the most impressive depicting animals, plants, and even elements of Pre-Columbian mythology. Also the side cloisters featuring stone carvings, and the decorated interior of the church are worth a view.

7. See

   Mansión del Fundador

   Also to be found in the old countryside is the renovated centuries-old Spanish Colonial mansion Mansión del Fundador.

   Admission S/10, S/5 for students

8. See

   Molino de Sabandía

   Sabandía Mill

   A three-century-old water mill, set in the old district of Sabandia.

9. See

   Monasterio de Santa Catalina

   Santa Catalina Convent

   The most visited building from the Spanish era of the city. Described as a city within a city, this beautiful place with its colors, flowers and little streets will make you feel like you are back in time. Quite close to the Plaza de Armas. The guides speak many different languages; ask at the desk to the left after the entrance. The guide will tell you about the history of the convent and the life of the nuns in the convent. You can also do the tour by yourself at your own pace: there are helpful descriptive signs in Spanish and English in all the rooms that contain mostly the same information.

   Daily 09:00-18:00 (Tue until 19:30), closed Good Fri, Dec 25 and Jan 1·S/45, foreign students up to 21 S/25, other discounts only for Peruvians. An optional one-hour guided tour costs S/20 per person

10. See

    Monasterio de la Recoleta

    The Franciscan monastery was built in 1648, and distinguished by its high bell tower in red and white bricks. Four out of the original seven buildings of the monastery remain today. The monastery has a library with about 20,000 volumes and part of the monastery is a museum with Incan and pre-Incan artifacts from mummies and totems to paintings of emperors. The museum also displays apparel worn by Amazonian natives.

11. See

    Museo Santuarios Andinos

    From May to November the main exhibit is the mummy Dama de Ampato, also known as Juanita. It is close to the main square.

12. See

    Plaza de Armas

    The main square of Arequipa, surrounded by buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic stone.

13. See

    Puente Bolognesi

    Arequipa has beautiful bridges. The closest to the main square is Puente Bolognesi. Go there and visit the Tambos (ancient houses rebuilt by the city government and used as apartments). A great experience.

14. See

    Puente Fierro

    An iron bridge designed by Eiffel for the railway. It has been converted to a pedestrian/bicycle bridge. (The railway now crosses the river over a different bridge a few km to the south.) A technological jewel in Vallecito (10 blocks from main square) and a must for people who love trains and bridges. From the bridge, at golden hour (16:00-17:00), you can get some of the best pictures of the volcanoes and the city.

15. See

    San Camilo Market

    The oldest market in the center of the city. It's three blocks away from the main square.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Arequipa (CC BY-SA 4.0).