Arequipa

AREQUIPA

It´s the capital of the Arequipa Region in southern Peru. With a population of 1,000,291 it is the second most populous city of the country. Arequipa lies in the Andes mountains, at an altitude of 2,380 meters (7,800 feet) above sea level; the snow-capped volcano El Misti overlooks the city. The city has many colonial-era Spanish buildings built of sillar, a pearly white volcanicrock, from which it gets the nickname La Ciudad Blanca ("The White City"). The historic center of Arequipa was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000 in recognition of its architecture and historic integrity.

Tourism
Arequipa is also called "the city where the volcanoes rest” because it is surrounded by three impresive volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and PichuPichu. Volcanoes are visible fromalmost every place from the city. Arequipa is a well-conserved sample of the Spaniard and "mestizo" culture, but not native Indian culture, providing an important cultural landmark for those who visit it. If I went to Arequipa, I´d like to go up to the top of the Misti volcano.
The mix of natural attractions (volcanoes, rural path, hot spring fountains) and historical well-preserved monuments andhouses is the seal of this 470-year-old city. Its people, well known as strong characters and hard workers all over the country, are also something difficult to forget to the visitor. They are called "Characatos" and the name refers a culture in result of the mix of Spaniards (founders of the city) and skilled locals who developed a unique way to survive and live in this beautiful territory.Historic center
The Historic centre of Arequipa, keeps most of the important buidings from the Spaniard era. They are all built in volcanic sillar rock, and the whole complex represents an integration of European and native building techniques and characteristics, expressed in the admirable work of colonial masters and Criollo and Indian masons. This combination of influences is illustrated by thecity's robust walls, archways and vaults, courtyards and open spaces, and the intricate Baroque decoration of its facades.
There are several walking routes available to enjoy the centre. Most of them start in the Plaza (main square) and cover five or six blocks. Most maps include the important buildings along the centre streets.
Some other well-preserved areas are San Lazaro neighbourhood (eastfrom the Main Square) and Yanahuara, located north and connected to the centre by two attractive bridges. Bridges are excellent photo spots for pictures of the volcanoes.

Santa Catalina monastery
Santa Catalina Monastery was founded on the October 2, 1580 and has an extension of 20,000 square meters that was constructed in the second half of the 16th century. The Convent, where there are stillnuns living in cloisters, is a small walled city with narrow streets, passages, staircases, and small squares.
The Convent remained closed to the public until 1970. The Convent has now recovered its original colorful view: the walls from the city were not only white, as most people believed. Ochre, indigo, and orange illuminate the austere architectural style.

Jesuits Architectural ComplexJesuits Architectural Complex is one of several buildings that demonstrate the perfect mix of cultures in this city. It consists of two cloisters with portal-led corridors made of carved sillar and Jesuit monograms in the upper part, and a beautiful church next to them. It is one of the most impressive exaamples of the mestizo Arequipa style.
It was built by the Jesuits in the 17th century. Thechurch's carved façade, finished in 1698, highlights the other buildings surrounding the Main Square. Its pulpit is carved wood, and its old sacristy, well-known as the so called Sistine Chapel of Arequipa, was the fruit of the work of anonymous indigenous artists, who imprimed in the work their own colour, their own motives, and their own spirit.
The temple presents a structure of two levels,...