UJ #17 - Traditional Peru

AUGUST | ANNIVERSARY OF AREQUIPA
The Misti Volcano,
measuring over
5,000 meters high,
watches over the
city of Arequipa.
To walk through the streets of Arequipa is to take a trip
into the past. It is to retrace the steps the Spanish took
upon their arrival and their subsequent trek into the valley
of the Chili River, where they settled on this generous
land. It is to experience the imposing surrounding nature,
reflected in the Misti Volcano that silently watches over
the city. And to discover the gorgeous architecture and
small streets of the Historic Centre, without forgetting to
stop and enjoy some of the celebrated local gastronomy
along the way.
Arequipa has the unique advantage of featuring mountains
and coast, a luxury that has been taken advantage of since
pre-Inca times, in which residents built roads connecting the
areas and providing better supply routes. As per tradition,
the Incas arrived far after the area was already inhabited.
Nonetheless, upon noting the optimal living conditions of
the valley, they decided to make it their home, naming it
“Ari quepay” or “Lets stay here,” as was supposedly stated by
Inca leader Mayta Capac.
On the 15th of August 1540, the Villa de la Asunción
de Nuestra Señora del Valle Hermoso de Arequipa
was founded by orders of Francisco Pizarro. Since its
establishment, its inhabitants were primarily Spaniards
who demonstrated fierce loyally to the Crown. Because
of this, Arequipa earned the title “fidelisima” – or faithful,
as well as obtaining the city “many honours” given by King
Felipe II.
The undeniable Iberian influence is reflected in the
city’s outstanding architectural beauty. In the Historic
Centre alone, one can see 23 different architectural
styles represented – including renaissance, baroque, art
deco, and 1980’s brutalism -, and of these, 500 buildings
have been declared National Heritage. A gem for any
architectural enthusiast, Arequipa is worth the visit.
Besides wandering through the city streets and
discovering the assortment of interesting buildings,
visitors can experience Arequipa’s notoriously delicious
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The arches of
the Yanahuara
lookout point are
made from sillar
rock and have
quotes from
local celebrities
carved on them.
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THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF AREQUIPA
WAS DECLARED A WORLD HERITAGE
SITE IN 2000. UNESCO HIGHLIGHTED
THE INTERESTING FUSION IN EUROPEAN
AND INDIGENOUS ARCHITECTURAL
BUILDING TECHNIQUES.
The Santa Catalina
Monastery, founded
on the 10th of
September 1579, is one
of Arequipa’s many
architectural gems.
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