There are many compelling reasons to visit Arequipa, Peru … Juanita the Ice Maiden, Santa Catalina Monastery, the spicy cuisine, or a thrilling day trip to the Colca Canyon. But one of the most surprising pleasantries of our time in Arequipa was the marvelous churches. Now, I know what you’re thinking. There are so many churches in Peru, what’s another one? How different are they, really?
Well, we thought we would let these photos speak for themselves …
La Catedral
Locals and tourists alike enjoy relaxing on the steps of Arequipa's La Catedral. Arequipa's largest and most prominent cathedral, it is located on the Plaza de Armas. Visitors can tour the inside and even go up to the roof for an incredible view of the city.
Alter and Choir inside La Catedral
Beautiful high arches and yellow interior create a very light feeling inside the cathedral.
Iglesia de la Compania
La Compania lies along the edge of the Plaza de Armas, opposite La Catedral
Carved wooden alters with gold leaf adorn the inside of the Iglesia de la Compania
Beautiful cloisters at La Compania
Iglesia de San Francisco
Iglesia de San Francisco is located along Calle Melgar, a few blocks from the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Iglesia San Augustin
Iglesia San Augustin is located several blocks away from the Plaza de Armas and is not nearly as touristy as some of the others.
Afternoon mass at Iglesia San Augustin
Those are some of our favorite churches we visited while in Arequipa. You may also want to check out the Monasterio de Santa Catalina if you like visiting religious sites on your travels.
What has been the most unexpectedly impressive cathedral you have encountered in your travels?
Such beautiful pictures! I love the pic of the Cloisters at Iglesia de la Compania - so peaceful looking.
It really was peaceful — and we were pretty much the only people in there, just as the sun began to set. Heavenly.
Very cool how the insides of both La Catedral and San Augustin are such light, bright colors. Most of the European cathedrals I’ve been in are of the darker, candlelit variety…interesting to see the difference!
I agree. I find most cathedrals to be dark and depressing, though I appreciate the architecture. I recently visited the Baltimore Basilica, which is very light as well, and they mentioned that it was symbolic of Christ being the light of the world. Thought that was pretty cool.
Great photos! Truly loved them. Reminds me its been too long since I land based travel:) I found the Wawel Cathedral in Krakow Poland to be amazing. 14th century, housing remains of Polish royalty. A must if you visit Poland!
Will definitely check that out whenever I’m in Poland … which I do hope will be someday
Beautiful photos, you really captured the essence of the place.
Thank you so much! It’s great to hear that — especially from someone who has been there!
BEAUTIFUL! Wow, what stunning detail and architecture. I’ve never been religious, but I always love cathedrals just because of the sheer grandeur.
They are pretty incredible! Thanks for stopping by, Ryan!
Beautiful shots! I just wonder about the architectural beauty of the LaCatedral. It must have been such a great experience to discover and feel that sacral space. I always feel in a special way while being in these breathtaking structures with their gorgeous dimensions. Nice Photos, thanks for sharing them!
[…] visits to see the mummy Juanita the Ice Maiden, the beautiful Monasterio de Santa Catalina and the stunning cathedrals.Day 12: Depart from Arequipa for a day trip to the spectacular Colca Canyon, which is twice as deep […]