Time to talk of other things ...

The ornate Iglesia de La Compañía de Jesus in Arequipa La Compañía By coincidence, the city of Arequipa and the Society of Jesus were both founded in the same year - 1540 AD. The original plans of the magnificent Jesuit edifice, Iglesia de La Compañía de Jesus (locals simply call it,  La Compañía ), were made by one Gaspar Baez - the main structure is in the form of a Latin cross with three deep naves containing side chapels, a transept and a dome on scallops. Unfortunately, the work he began in 1578, collapsed in the earthquake of 1582.  Eight years later, the Jesuit Diego Felipe began the second construction following Gaspar Baez’s plans and construction continued till 1698. It is said that this structure forms the basis of the so-called 'Arequipa school' of architecture which influenced the design and construction of the churches of Cayma, Paucarpata, Yanahuara, Characato and even in the regions of Puno and Bolivia. The facade and main altar (covered with golden leave...

The dramatic Convento de Santa Catalina in Arequipa   Convento de Santa Catalina de Siena ( Convent of St Catherine of Siena ) was built in 1579 in the Viceroyal architectural style and is located in the historical centre of Arequipa, Peru.  It served as a cloister for nuns of the Dominican Second Order from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, and still houses a small religious community today. The complex, which stretches over 20,000 square meters, is built from  sillar,  a porous volcanic  limestone rock from the nearby volcano Chachani overlooking the city and adobe (straw and mud), painted in the striking primary colors of blue and red. Unfortunately the years and acid rain have taken a toll on the lovely frescos painted along the arched corridors. But there are attempts to preserve and restore this treasure. The foundress of the monastery was a rich widow who did not have any children, Doña María de Guzmán who decided to join the order an...