Iglesia de San Agustin (San Agustin Church), Arequipa

Iglesia de San Agustin (San Agustin Church), Arequipa (must see)

The San Agustin Church (Iglesia de San Agustin) in Arequipa is one of the city鈥檚 notable colonial churches, reflecting both the artistic richness and spiritual devotion of the region. Built by the Augustinian order in the 16th century, the church has withstood centuries of earthquakes, reconstructions, and transformations, each phase leaving its own imprint on the building. Today, it stands as a testimony to the endurance of Arequipa鈥檚 religious heritage and the craftsmanship of its builders, who worked primarily with sillar, the white volcanic stone that gives the city its 鈥淲hite City鈥� nickname.

Architecturally, the church blends Baroque and mestizo-Baroque styles, making it a fine example of local artistic expression. Its fa莽ade is adorned with intricate carvings of foliage, angels, and saints, showcasing the creativity of indigenous stonemasons who infused European motifs with Andean symbolism. Inside, visitors will find a richly decorated main altar covered in gold leaf, which radiates an air of solemnity and grandeur. Side chapels feature paintings and sculptures that add further depth to the church鈥檚 artistic collection.

For tourists, the San Agustin Church offers more than just architectural beauty. It provides insight into the cultural and religious life of colonial Arequipa, where faith was intertwined with daily existence and local identity. The atmosphere inside the church is both peaceful and contemplative, making it an ideal stop for those seeking a quieter moment amid the busy city streets.

Visiting the San Agustin Church allows travelers to appreciate Arequipa鈥檚 layered history, where Spanish influences and Andean traditions merged to create unique expressions of faith and artistry still admired today.

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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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Iglesia de San Agustin (San Agustin Church)
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

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

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