The mid-highland city of Arequipa, Peru

*WS 168 - The mid-highland city of Arequipa, Peru*

Arequipa is a city located in the mid-highlands of the Peruvian coast with very comfortable weather and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-kept medieval buildings. Population 845,000. We were here in 2009. 

Many of the medieval buildings were built in the Mudejar style imported from Spain, characterised by decorations with stylized calligraphy and intricate geometric and floral forms as used by the Muslim Moors. No icons as Islam prohibits the portray of icons. Other features include the horseshoe and multi-lobed arch, muqarna vaults, moulding around the arches and doors, etc. 

Many older buildings were built with sillar, a soft white volcanic rock. Carving is easy and thus there are many decorative carved elements on the buildings. Over decorated may be. Shown such decoration on the facade of the Church of La Compania of Jesus, and the facade of a bank building, 1st 2 photos.

The main attraction is the Santa Catalina Monastery for nuns, established in 1579, and well designed in the Mudejar style, with vividly painted walls. The monastery is still functioning, but most part of the big complex is open to the fee-paying public as a living museum of Mudejar architecture. The 6th photo shows the simple muquana vaulting and the 8th the decorated doors.