Santa Catalina Monastery, Dominican monastery in the historic centre of Arequipa, Peru

Santa Catalina Monastery is a walled citadel of the Dominican Second Order in central Arequipa, Peru, covering about 20,000 square metres and built of sillar, the white volcanic tuff from Chachani and the pink tuff from Misti. Its narrow, tortuous alleys link cloisters, chapels and cells that were each built privately, so no two are alike. A vaulted walkway with faded ceiling murals rests on square columns painted bright blue with white bases and trim.

The monastery was founded in 1579 with authorization from Viceroy Francisco de Toledo for Dominican nuns. By the 18th century, over 300 people lived here, including nuns and their servants, until reforms in the 19th century reduced the community.

The complex was founded as a home for daughters from wealthy Spanish families, who brought their own servants and lived in private quarters. The nuns occupied small houses with their own kitchens and courtyards, which still display original furnishings and wall paintings today.

Visitors can explore the grounds on their own or join a guided tour offered in multiple languages. The complex includes a café and a shop where you can take a break and purchase souvenirs.

A section of the monastery still houses an active community of nuns, who live separated from the visitor area. The compound only opened its doors to the public in 1970, after remaining completely closed for nearly four centuries.