Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa
Peru ·
Description
Arequipa is a symphony in white sillar. Misti's volcanic stone, carved in mestizo Baroque, creates facades gleaming under the eternal Andean sun. Santa Catalina Monastery is a city within the city, with blue and red streets. From every corner, Misti's perfect cone watches at 5,822 meters.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Arequipa represents the finest fusion of European and indigenous construction techniques. Volcanic sillar enabled developing a unique mestizo architectural style. Santa Catalina Monastery is an exceptional example of colonial religious architecture.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For representing the finest fusion of European and indigenous techniques in volcanic stone architecture.
It was inscribed in 2000 under criteria (i) and (iv).
For sillar, white volcanic stone from Misti used in all colonial architecture.
16th-century monastery that was an independent citadel; now open to visitors.
Misti is active but monitored; last major eruption was in the 15th century.