Discover one of the most important architectural works in Peru at the Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa. This 400-year-old complex is like a “city within a city”, with many streets, cells and structures within its walls. Learn about the fusion of Spanish and Inca culture preserved in this structure and in Peru as you walk the halls of this beautiful property. Walk the halls of the Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa Learn about the history of religion in Peru and its Spanish influence Admire the impressive architecture, one of the most important in Peru Tour the complex at your own pace with this timeless entry

Monastery of Santa Catalina Viceroy Francisco Toledo, during his visit to Arequipa, was informed by the Cabildo about his desire years ago to found a monastery of nuns. This motivated him to grant the necessary licences for the founding of the private monastery of nuns of the Order of Saint Catherine of Siena. Years later, Doña María de Guzmán, widow of Diego Hernández de Mendoza, a beautiful, rich and young woman who had no children, decided to seclude herself in the monastery under construction, giving him all her possessions. On September 10, 1579, the Report and capitulation of the founding of the monastery was made, signed between the city council, Justice and Regiment and the Bishopric of Cusco, and the city council handed over the four lands owned by the city for its operation, naming Doña María de Guzmán, first inhabitant and prioress of said monastery.