The church of La Compañia
This impressive religious complex was built by the Jesuits fathers during the second half of the 17th
century, and ever since, it has suffered serious modifications due to the earthquakes that have
devastated the city. The carvings found on its facade are possible, the best representation of the Mestizo
Baroque style of Arequipa and is decorated with flowers, bunches of grapes, pomegranates, vines, roses
and angels. In the niche we found a sculpture of San Miguel with doll appereance.
The temple composed by three naves and a high dome, has the most impressive Baroque altars of the
city; the dome and the walls of the old sacristy - known as "The Sistine Chapel of Arequipa" - are also
admirable, with the latter having murals representing the tropical jungles of Paraguay. Also, in its art gallery
it is possible to find four paintings by the great Bernardo Bitti, one by Diego de la Puente and many others
from the Escuela Cuzqueña. Among its sculptures it is possible to find one representing Saint Sebastian
produced by Diego Rodriguez and a figure of Christ, the work of Sevillian Gaspar de la Cueva. The cloister
stands out for its sillar arches, which are profusely carved with Jesuit monograms.
