Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
Nicknamed the "White City" because of its many buildings constructed from sillar (white volcanic stone), Arequipa is an architectural gem in southern Peru. Its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000, offers an exceptional blend of Spanish colonial influences and local traditions, all dominated by the spectacular Misti Volcano.
The city was officially founded on August 15, 1540, but the site was already inhabited by pre-Incan populations. The historic centre developed around the Plaza de Armas, becoming an important commercial and cultural crossroads between the coast and the Andes.
The historic centre represents the identity heart of Arequipa, blending history, religion, and living traditions. It is also an important intellectual centre, with several universities and cultural institutions.
💡 Did you know? Arequipa has the world's largest collection of colonial architecture made from sillar, which is why it earned the nickname "White City."
The historic centre is perfectly suited for a walking tour, with its cobblestone streets and monuments concentrated around the Plaza de Armas.
💡 Tip: Many central accommodations offer maps with the main walking routes.
Unlike Cusco, Arequipa does not have a single tourist ticket. Each monument has its own fee:
Santa Catalina Monastery
Museum of Andean Sanctuaries
La Recoleta Monastery
Church of La Compañía
Arequipa Cathedral
💡 Note: Access to churches is free outside of museum areas.
Plaza de Armas
The beating heart of Arequipa since 1540
Surrounded by majestic arcades of volcanic stone (sillar) and dominated by the cathedral, this UNESCO-listed square has been a witness to major historical events. Its palm trees and central bronze fountain (19th century) make it a must-see meeting place.
Arequipa Basilica Cathedral
A symbol of resilience
Rebuilt 3 times after earthquakes (the last one in 1844), this Neo-Renaissance cathedral houses a 12-ton Belgian organ, one of the largest in South America. Its treasure includes solid gold chalices inlaid with emeralds.
Santa Catalina Monastery
A mysterious citadel (1580)
This 20,000 m² convent-fortress once housed nuns from the aristocracy. Its colorful cells (indigo blue, bull's blood red), colonial kitchens, and "Cloister of Silence" reveal a fascinating cloistered way of life.
La Recoleta Monastery
Franciscan treasure (1648)
This colonial complex perched on Cerro Colorado houses 4 distinct cloisters, an ancient library of 20,000 books (including 16th-century manuscripts), and a surprising collection of Amazonian art brought back by missionaries. Its botanical garden includes species unique to Peru.
Church of La Compañía
The pinnacle of Mestic Baroque (1698)
Its finely carved sillar façade represents clusters of grapes (Eucharistic symbols) mixed with indigenous motifs. Inside, the "Sistine Chapel of Arequipa" (Cúpula de San Ignacio) dazzles with its unique tropical frescoes.
Museum of Andean Sanctuaries
Sanctuary of Inca sacrifices
It houses Juanita, a frozen mummy from 1450 discovered in 1995 on the Ampato volcano. This 14-year-old girl, offered as a sacrifice, still wears her ritual clothes and has intact offerings. The museum explains the Inca worship of the apus (mountain spirits).
Arequipa is renowned for its gastronomy. Some specialties:
💡 Tip: Picanterías are traditional restaurants offering an authentic culinary experience.
☕️ For coffee lovers, we've found a place where you can not only enjoy excellent coffee but also have a meal: **Kafi Wasi**.
If you want to know more about this establishment, check out the page we dedicated to it with an interview.
Options available in the historic centre:
💡 Nearby excursions: Colca Canyon, nature reserves, volcanic hikes.
The Historic Centre of Arequipa represents one of the most remarkable colonial architectural ensembles in South America. Its sillar architecture, Baroque monuments, and unique atmosphere make it a must-see destination in Peru.
Between cultural visits, gastronomic discoveries, and natural excursions, Arequipa offers a complete experience that appeals to all types of travelers.
A fascinating immersion into colonial and Andean Peru!
.jpg?v=1k1mvr2 "Cathedrale d'Arequipa avec vue sur le Misti")
