Located in southern Peru, Arequipa is supposedly the capital city of the Arequipa region. It is considered the second most populated city in the country and is scenically nestled in the Andes Mountains. The city is nicknamed the white city after its buildings which made out of white rock. It is interesting to note that the historic center of Arequipa has been named a world heritage site by UNESCO. Arequipa Peru is nestled at a height of seven thousand eight hundred feet above the sea level and has a snow capped volcano called El Misti.
The Climate And Name Arequipa
The sunny and dry climate is a welcome respite and while the mornings and afternoons are warm owing to the bright sun, the evenings tend to get cold and chilly. The rainy season is from January to March while the winter months last till August. The city was destroyed in an earthquake before being rebuilt by the Incas in the year 1540. Arequipa Peru was initially occupied by the Aymara Indians before being annexed by the Incas. The city was founded in the year 1540 and a year later it was declared as an official ‘city’ by Spain’s king Charles V.
A Brief History of Arequipa Peru
Arequipa Peru is mainly comprised of mastizo population. Lately, especially after the year 1940, there has been a great influx from the Peruvian sierra that has led to a cultural fusion of sorts. During the colonial era, Arequipa Peru remained aloof from the rest of the world but after the inception of the southern railroad which connected the city to the port of Mollendo, there has been a rapid increase in the general population. In the nineteenth century, during the struggle for independence, the city of Arequipa Peru served as a bastion. In the year 2001, the city was stricken by a powerful earthquake which measured 7.9 on the Richter scale.
Education And Tourism
There are many universities in the city of Arequipa Peru and it is therefore considered a hub for further education. Peru is also known for it Estadio Monumental de la UNSA which lies in the city of Arequipa and is considered one of the largest stadiums of the country. As far as tourism is concerned, people like to visit Santa Catalina Monastry, the Goyeneche Palace, Casa del Moral. From the archaeological point of view, the city is known for its beautiful canyons. Colca Canyon is perhaps the deepest canyon in the world and is an ideal spot to observe the world famous Condor birds.
The Historic Center
The city is also famous for its historic center, which is also known as the historic center of Arequipa. It is built from sillar rock. The building is a pleasant reminder of the wonderful art which had once inspired the Indian as well as the Spanish masons to build a structure which was a pleasant refection of two diverse cultures. The city’s arches, walls, open courtyards and archways are a true reminder of the historic past while the intrigue baroque décors on the outer walls are a site worth watching.
The Central Cataline Monastery
Spread over an area of 20000 square meters, the Santa Cataline Monestry was inaugurated in the 1580 and ia said to have been constructed in the latter part of the sixteenth century. The convent is a city in itself with small roads, a stair case and narrow passages. The city was opened for public viewing after the year 1970.
The Jesus Architectural Complex
Styled after the Arequipa Mezito architecture, the Jesus Architectural Complex is a beautifully constructed building which is made up of built in the sixteenth century by the Jesuits, the building was completed in the year 1698. The building is a beautiful piece of art and contains more than sixty paintings from the Cusco School of art. The Founder’s Masion is another tourist site which is another important tourist site and is structured on the basis of ancient Indian architecture. It was stated to have been built for the founder’s son. In case you are a new visitor and would like to pay a visit to this unique and pictures city, you might have to use the Rodriguez Ballon International Airport.