Santa Catalina de Siena, Baroque church and monastery in Barrios Altos, Lima, Peru
Santa Catalina de Siena is a Baroque church and monastery in Barrios Altos, standing between Andahuaylas, Puno, and Inambari streets in Lima's historic center. The building features characteristic Baroque architectural elements with religious spaces designed for the Dominican community.
The monastery was founded in 1589 on the initiative of María de Celis, with support from Pope Sixtus V and King Philip II of Spain during the colonial period. The project grew quickly and became an important religious center in the developing city.
The complex reflects Dominican Order heritage in Lima and displays an original image of Saint Catherine of Siena brought by Rose of Lima. Visitors can still see the religious artworks and devotion connected to Dominican tradition today.
The complex is located next to Fort Santa Catalina on Andahuaylas Street and welcomes visitors throughout the year. Regular religious services take place, so checking ahead for service times helps plan your visit without interruption.
In its early decades, the monastery housed around 300 nuns, making it one of the largest female religious communities of the colonial period. This substantial size shows how important and influential the institution was within Lima's society.
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