Within the Monastery of Santa Catalina, Arequipa, The White City, Andes, Peru, South America.
Santa Catalina By far the most interesting place to visit in Arequipa is the convent of Santa Catalina. It is built as a city in a city around 1580 and expanded in the 17th century. This is probably the biggest convent in the world. 450 nuns lived there for over 400 years, totally cut off the outside world. The inhabitants of Arequipa had no clue of what happened between the high walls of the complex. Lot's of fantasies and tales circulated under the people. Santa Catalina wrapped itself in mystery and silence until 1970 when a big part of the convent opened its doors for the public. There are still nuns living in the north area of the complex. Locals and tourists with or without a guide can freely visit the remaining parts. Everything was beautifully renovated and the little streets and squares are full of colorful flowers and the walls are painted in fresh tints. Narrow alleys bring you to the different parts of the convent passing picturesque squares and odd living rooms with original furnishing. You can still smell the atmosphere of the dark Middle Ages visiting the dining hall, the square where nuns did their laundry, the washing hall and the extensive library with an incredible collection of books. Unfortunately the library is not always open to public. Some visitors stay all day and melt away in the still living past of this convent or just wonder around and lose their way from time to time. Take your time to visit this wonderful place, it'll give you lots of inspiration. The convent of Santa Catalina is situated in the street with the same name and tree blocks away from the Plaza de Armas.
Size: 3744px × 5616px
Location: Monastery of Santa Catalina, Arequipa, The White City, Andes, Peru, South America
Photo credit: © Thibaut PETIT-BARA / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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