The most important religious monument in Peru is the Monastery of Santa Catalina. Founded in 1580, ¡t kept its doors closed to the world until 1970. On opening them, it showed its narrow corridors, its gardens, streets and squares that jealously guard a very particular style of colonial art.

Definitely Arequipa's colonial architecture has very special characteristics; it is quite possible that it represents the most "mestizaje" in existence.

Among Arequipa houses the one of Tristan del Pozo is outstanding, built in 1738. Its finely carved entrance has a large door flanked by pillars. Also, the Irribery mansion attracts with its handsome doorway behind which are rooms with barrel vaulted ceilings. Today it is the University of San Agustin.

First page Spanish Founding