Santa Catalina Monastery, Dominican monastery in central Arequipa, Peru.
Santa Catalina Monastery is a Dominican complex in central Arequipa, Peru, spanning several city blocks and built from pale volcanic stone. The compound contains narrow alleys, courtyards, chapels, and living quarters painted in bright colors such as red, blue, and ochre.
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.
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