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AREQUIPA

OF TEMPLES AND SILLAR HOUSES
Arequipa was born after a plebiscite, which many consider the first one to ever be carried out in America. As a result of this event, Garcí Manuel de Carvajal founded La Villa Hermosa de Arequipa on August 15th, 1540, by the unanimous decision of the Spanish settlers who were leaving Camaná, founded one year before, because it was unhealthy and scarcely...
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THE COUNTRYSIDE DREAMS
The fertile valley of the Chili River that encloses Arequipa resembles a mantle that protects the city made of sillar; but it is also the pantry from where the corn, potatoes, chili Peppers and garlic that constitute the indelible seal of Arequipa´s cuisine are all kept. Its terraces, fruit orchards, its flowers and herds have served as inspiration for painters and poets, ever since...
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THE CONVENT OF SANTA CATALINA
Founded in 1579 under the advocacy of Saint Catherine of Siena, and Arequipa´s largest architectural patrimony, owes its construction to doña Maria de Guzman, a widow who never had any children, who decided to donate all her patrimony to the convent where she sought seclusion.

According to their statues, when the novices entered the convent they had to pay dowry of two...
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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,...
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THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF AREQUIPA
True to its European influence, the city of Arequipa is divided in suburbs formed by narrow and tortuous streets, which guard not only the city´s mansions and churches, but also its most ancient traditions. Among its main districts it is possible to find Yanahuara, located just two kilometers from the center of the city, on the other side of the Chili River. This district has the best...
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THE SILLAR STONE
The sillar or ignimbrite rock is the symbol of the White City. This rock is the result of millions of years of volcanic activity in the area, and gases condensed at high temperatures, which are then settled in large blocks, compose it. It is also known as pyroclastic flow or volcanic tuff, and geologist Clarence Fenner first described it in 1948. Jose Luis Bustamente y Rivero referred to the...
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