Casa del Moral (House of the Mulberry Tree), Arequipa (must see)
The House of the Mulberry Tree (Casa del Moral) stands as one of Arequipa鈥檚 best-preserved colonial mansions and a prime example of Andean Baroque civil architecture. Built around 1730, the residence takes its name from the centuries-old mulberry tree that still grows in its central courtyard, a living emblem of the house鈥檚 enduring history. Originally owned by prominent Spanish families, the mansion served as a symbol of wealth and prestige, reflecting the social and political significance of its residents in colonial Arequipa.
The house鈥檚 architecture highlights the rich baroque-mestizo style that characterizes the 鈥淲hite City.鈥� Carved from volcanic sillar stone, its fa莽ade displays intricate motifs, including griffins, floral patterns, and heraldic symbols, regarded as some of the most elaborate in Arequipa. Inside, visitors find a series of courtyards surrounded by spacious rooms, where thick stone walls, carved wooden doors, and vaulted ceilings reveal both European influences and adaptations to the Andean climate. The design offers a vivid sense of daily aristocratic life in 18th-century Peru.
Today, the House of the Mulberry Tree functions as a museum and cultural space, preserving valuable elements of Arequipa鈥檚 colonial heritage. Among its treasures are period furnishings and a collection of Cusco School paintings, which combine European techniques with Andean themes. The library, with more than 3,000 volumes, mainly in Hispanic literature, also stands out as an important cultural asset.
For tourists, the House of the Mulberry Tree offers more than just architectural beauty; it provides a direct connection to the city鈥檚 colonial past and its evolution into a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its ornate stonework, rare art collections, and the quiet presence of the mulberry tree in the courtyard, the house remains an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand the historical and cultural richness of Arequipa.
The house鈥檚 architecture highlights the rich baroque-mestizo style that characterizes the 鈥淲hite City.鈥� Carved from volcanic sillar stone, its fa莽ade displays intricate motifs, including griffins, floral patterns, and heraldic symbols, regarded as some of the most elaborate in Arequipa. Inside, visitors find a series of courtyards surrounded by spacious rooms, where thick stone walls, carved wooden doors, and vaulted ceilings reveal both European influences and adaptations to the Andean climate. The design offers a vivid sense of daily aristocratic life in 18th-century Peru.
Today, the House of the Mulberry Tree functions as a museum and cultural space, preserving valuable elements of Arequipa鈥檚 colonial heritage. Among its treasures are period furnishings and a collection of Cusco School paintings, which combine European techniques with Andean themes. The library, with more than 3,000 volumes, mainly in Hispanic literature, also stands out as an important cultural asset.
For tourists, the House of the Mulberry Tree offers more than just architectural beauty; it provides a direct connection to the city鈥檚 colonial past and its evolution into a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its ornate stonework, rare art collections, and the quiet presence of the mulberry tree in the courtyard, the house remains an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand the historical and cultural richness of Arequipa.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Arequipa. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Casa del Moral (House of the Mulberry Tree) on Map
Sight Name: Casa del Moral (House of the Mulberry Tree)
Sight Location: Arequipa, Peru (See walking tours in Arequipa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Arequipa, Peru (See walking tours in Arequipa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Arequipa, Peru
Create Your Own Walk in Arequipa
Creating your own self-guided walk in Arequipa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches
Colonists from Spain brought to Peru and Arequipa the power of Catholicism, which is beautifully reflected today in the splendid architectural designs of Arequipa's numerous places of worship. Arequipa鈥檚 churches are among the most striking in Peru. Take this self-guided walking tour to explore the city's religious heritage.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Arequipa Introduction Walking Tour
Capital of the eponymous region of Peru, Arequipa is a colonial-era city rich in architecture built of the volcanic stone provided by three neighboring volcanoes. The historic downtown area of Arequipa is dominated by Plaza de Armas complete with a plethora of ancient churches located nearby, of which the most notable is the 17th-century Basilica Cathedral. This orientation tour will walk you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles