The monastery was built using volcanic sillar stone, which is porous, lightweight, and white, making it earthquake-resistant.
Nuns were traditionally required to bring a substantial dowry to enter the monastery, leading to different social classes living within the walls.
The monastery contains a private cemetery located within the complex walls.
Despite the strict rules of silence, the monastery had its own complex water supply and laundry systems.
The 'Calle de la Toledo' is one of the original streets preserved within the monastery walls.
Many of the private cells were equipped with their own kitchens and gardens to ensure complete self-sufficiency.
The monastery served as a place of refuge for the upper-class families of Arequipa during colonial times.
The interior walls are colored with natural pigments like indigo and red earth.
Santa Catalina Monastery is a 20,000-square-meter cloistered complex in Arequipa, founded in 1579 for Dominican nuns of the Second Order. The site functions as a self-contained citadel, featuring internal streets, plazas, and courtyards painted in vibrant ochre, blue, and white. It remained closed to the outside world until it opened to the public in 1970. The architecture blends Spanish colonial influences with local Arequipa sillar stone construction. Visitors move through various sections including the cloister of the orange trees, the old kitchen, and private cells where nuns once lived in isolation. The monastery contains an extensive collection of 16th and 17th-century colonial religious art, including paintings from the Cusco School. The complex is still partially occupied by a small community of nuns today, necessitating restricted access to certain areas.
The Cloister of the Orange Trees, noted for its vibrant red walls and blue arches.
Hire an official guide at the entrance to understand the historical context of the different cloisters.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the complex consists of uneven cobblestone paths.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as much of the complex is outdoors and exposed to the high-altitude sun.
Do not attempt to enter areas marked as private, as those sections are restricted to the resident nuns.
Maintain a quiet tone throughout the premises as part of the facility remains an active, cloistered space; respectful attire covering shoulders and knees is advised.
