The White City

Guinea pig - a national favorite in Peru. I am yet to try it though......
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Arequipa is also known as La Ciudad Blanca ("The White City") of Peru for the use of volcanic sillar rock in buildings in the historical section of the town. This stone bleaches white in the sun giving the city a luminous appearance at some point in time in history. Today the dust and grime have rendered it a more of a "Gray  City" though it still remains very appealing. Arequipa is also on the UN´s World Heritage list which selects sites of "outstanding universal value".

Arequipa is the home of the Santa Catalina monastery. Founded in 1580, the monastery was closed to public for almost 400 years and only became available to the masses in the 70´s. It used to be a refuge for the wealthy and aristocrats.  Supposedly at one point only Spaniards were allowed to enter and take the vows.  Entry required a large dowry and many had their own slaves.  (Yes you used to be able to take slaves to the monastery so you could devote your time to attaining a higher spiritual calling while someone else did the earthly tasks.) The Bishop after some visit decreed that nuns couldn't have more than one slave.  (It´s nice to know the men of the cloth were so sensitive.)   The monastery is a fascinating place and a mini city of it´s own even with street names. The convent was and continues to be decorated with pricey artwork possibly owing to its initial exclusivity to the wealthy.

Plaza de Armas
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Arequipanos, I found to be very friendly and helpful people. I think that I will even go as far to say that so far in my travels through South America I have found them to be the kindest.

The old town is mostly colonial buildings and the architecture is described as a blend of Baroque, Spanish silver plaiting and Andean creativity.  There is a really cool "Plaza de Armas" where the 'La Compañia de Jesus' church is located.  On a side note, every city down here has a "Plaza de Armas" in it which is generally the central square or park of the oldest part of town.  The plaza always has at least one church.

More of the Plaza
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If you are ever in Peru be sure to stop in  Arequipa!