Iglesia Santa Marta (Saint Marta Church), Arequipa

The Saint Marta Church (Iglesia Santa Marta) stands on Plaza Espa帽a as one of Arequipa鈥檚 historic religious landmarks, with origins tracing back to 1582. Over its long history, the church has undergone several transformations, yet it has remained a symbol of faith for the local community. Inside, it houses a treasured image of Christ Crucified, said to have been gifted by King Charles V of Spain, making it a unique and spiritually significant site for visitors. Beyond its religious role, the church is also admired for its location, offering sweeping views of the Chachani and Misti volcanoes that frame Arequipa鈥檚 skyline.

Construction of the current building was completed in 1678, with later improvements in 1810 and a remarkable Art Nouveau fa莽ade added in 1946. This fa莽ade is widely regarded as a masterpiece, distinguished by its two levels, Solomonic columns, and the central statue of Saint Martha, the patron saint of Arequipa. Over time, elements of Baroque and Plateresque design were also incorporated, giving the church its layered architectural character. Today, it represents not just a religious monument but also a showcase of the city鈥檚 evolving artistic traditions.

The church has also weathered challenges, particularly the 2001 earthquake, which left cracks in its towers and side walls that remain visible. These marks of vulnerability contrast with the building鈥檚 enduring presence, reminding visitors of the resilience of both the structure and the community it serves. Maintained by the Carmelite order, Santa Marta continues to stand as a space of devotion while embodying centuries of history, artistry, and cultural memory in the heart 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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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Iglesia Santa Marta (Saint Marta Church)
Sight Location: Arequipa, Peru (See walking tours in Arequipa)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Historical Churches

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

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

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