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All 34 Arequipa Attractions »

Monastery of Santa Catalina (Monasterio de Santa Catalina)

Santa Catalina 301, Arequipa, Peru
(54) 229 798
Ranked #2 of 24 attractions in Arequipa
4.5 of 5 stars 204 Reviews
Type: Architectural Buildings, Religious Sites, Historic Walking Areas, Gardens, Art Museums
Owner description: Considered a masterpiece of colonial architecture, this monastery is a large complex of rooms, picturesque plazas, ornate fountains and a maze of...... more » Owner description: Considered a masterpiece of colonial architecture, this monastery is a large complex of rooms, picturesque plazas, ornate fountains and a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets. « less
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204 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Arequipa, Peru
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

Its timeless, beautiful architectural sites with ancient history. It is still a great place to visit. It's got streets, a cemetery, the nuns cloisters, the bakery, gardens, huge walls... alot to visit and learn. It's really a samll city inside Arequipa. You can't miss it!!! More

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See 2 more reviews by Eliana V for Arequipa
London, UK
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

It's worth taking the guided tour to learn about the city within a city that is Santa Catalina. The guides are multi-lingual and you soak up the atmosphere of this sanctuary. Would love to have taken one of the night tours when the old apartments are lit by candlelight, but it's just as good in the daytime! More

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Washington, DC
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012

The most impressive convent I've ever seen. I love everything here. More

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Lima, Peru
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2012

This monastery is meticulously maintained and provides an inside glimpse into its history and the nuns that lived there. It is very large...you can easily spend 2-3 hours wandering through the streets and homes inside. Its a must see and the cost is very reasonable (about $12 for foreigners). More

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Ontario
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2012

We had a tour guide through the Monasterio and really enjoyed the background she provided. Wear sunscreena and take a hat. We found the sun very opressive even in April, however it is very dry. You will stop in at a shop where they encourage you to buy within the first 15 mins of the tour for chocolates or rose... More

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See 3 more reviews by papajohns for Arequipa
Travelling
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2012

The monastery is so different from others we have visited recently. It is, as the blurb says, "a city within a city". You really get an idea how the nuns lived. The architecture and the colours are stunning and it is easy to wander round on your own. The entrance fee is a little expenses compared with others (35 soles... More

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See 3 more reviews by dd338 for Arequipa
Perth, Australia
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2012

Wonderful late afternoon/evening spent wandering all through this large monastery village. It normally shuts at 5pm but it is open on Tues and Thurs until 8pm. They light the lanterns and it is delightful. Worth the money spent to get in. Take your time and read the info on each display. Amazing More

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See 2 more reviews by Pedroandme for Arequipa
Geelong
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2012

Really well presented and preserved. Well worth a visit. More

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See 6 more reviews by Anne M for Arequipa
alabama
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2012

1st visit to monastery and enjoyed the insight of the guide for S/20. More

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See 5 more reviews by marcnjerri for Arequipa
ajijic, Jalisco
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2012

Just the size of it is impressive. We had no knowledge that wealthy Spaniards would give a daughter to be a nun for life, even if it were against her wishes. But they could have servants in the convent! More

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See 2 more reviews by Bobajijic for Arequipa

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