Cathedral of Arequipa, Arequipa (must see)
The Cathedral of Arequipa is one of Peru鈥檚 most remarkable religious monuments and a defining symbol of the 鈥淲hite City.鈥� First built in the 16th century, it has been repeatedly rebuilt after earthquakes and fires, with its current appearance largely dating from the 19th century. Constructed primarily of sillar and ignimbrite-white volcanic stones typical of Arequipa-the cathedral reflects both resilience and artistry. Its neo-Renaissance fa莽ade, framed by two tall towers and adorned with seventy Corinthian columns, dominates the square, while details such as the English clock installed in 1842 add further historical depth.
Inside, the cathedral impresses with both scale and refinement. Three naves divided by pilasters are crowned by kerchief vaults, while the high altar, carved from Carrara marble, and the intricately detailed pulpit made in Belgium highlight international influences. Religious artworks, sculptures, altarpieces, and canvases enrich the chapels, offering visitors a glimpse of centuries of Catholic devotion in the region. One of the cathedral鈥檚 greatest treasures is its grand organ, crafted by the Belgian master Fran莽ois Bernard Loret, considered among the largest in South America and admired for having survived centuries of earthquakes.
The cathedral is also home to a museum, inaugurated in 2011, that preserves and displays its most valuable relics. Visitors can explore four galleries filled with gold and silver liturgical objects, priestly vestments, paintings-including works by Francisco Lazo-and unique historical items. Notable among them are the ornate garments of Archbishop Sebasti谩n Goyeneche and the marriage certificate of Peruvian hero Francisco Bolognesi, connecting the cathedral to broader national history.
As the seat of the archbishop and the site of major festivals and processions, the Cathedral of Arequipa remains a living centre of faith and culture. Recognized as part of Arequipa鈥檚 UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, it is as much a spiritual landmark as it is an architectural masterpiece, offering travellers an essential stop for understanding the city鈥檚 heritage and identity.
Inside, the cathedral impresses with both scale and refinement. Three naves divided by pilasters are crowned by kerchief vaults, while the high altar, carved from Carrara marble, and the intricately detailed pulpit made in Belgium highlight international influences. Religious artworks, sculptures, altarpieces, and canvases enrich the chapels, offering visitors a glimpse of centuries of Catholic devotion in the region. One of the cathedral鈥檚 greatest treasures is its grand organ, crafted by the Belgian master Fran莽ois Bernard Loret, considered among the largest in South America and admired for having survived centuries of earthquakes.
The cathedral is also home to a museum, inaugurated in 2011, that preserves and displays its most valuable relics. Visitors can explore four galleries filled with gold and silver liturgical objects, priestly vestments, paintings-including works by Francisco Lazo-and unique historical items. Notable among them are the ornate garments of Archbishop Sebasti谩n Goyeneche and the marriage certificate of Peruvian hero Francisco Bolognesi, connecting the cathedral to broader national history.
As the seat of the archbishop and the site of major festivals and processions, the Cathedral of Arequipa remains a living centre of faith and culture. Recognized as part of Arequipa鈥檚 UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, it is as much a spiritual landmark as it is an architectural masterpiece, offering travellers an essential stop for understanding the city鈥檚 heritage and identity.
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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Cathedral of Arequipa on Map
Sight Name: Cathedral of Arequipa
Sight Location: Arequipa, Peru (See walking tours in Arequipa)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Arequipa, Peru (See walking tours in Arequipa)
Sight Type: Religious
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.
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
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