Monasterio de Santa Catalina

[jwg]

In 1579 a plan was created to build a monastery for nuns in Arequipa; it was built and occupied for a long time - although in 1582 it was severely damaged by an earthquake as frequently happens in that region.

It now operates a museum. It is really a small town with quarters for living and cooking, galleries of art, cloisters, gardens, etc. It is quiite fasinating to walk around in.

Click on this for a larger image of the map:


Click here for some pictures:

Comments

[rsc.livejournal.com]

One interesting feature (among many) is that many of these little outdoor alcoves contain rough stone staircases leading to nowhere. The explanation is that an upper story that was destroyed by the earthquake was never rebuilt.