Posts about the history and culture of the Incas and their mastery of interlocked stone architecture are over and behind us :) From Cusco, we took a morning flight and within couple of hours reached Arequipa. Arequipa is called "The White City" for a reason. Almost all the buildings in the historic part of Arequipa are built from "Sillar", a white volcanic rock. In 1540s, the Spanish started building the Cathedrals, Churches and Mansions in Arequipa. The Spanish architecture is more visible to the tourist than anything related to the Incas. Arequipa is located in a valley at an elevation of 2328 meters (7638 feet). On the eastern side, Arequipa is surrounded by three volcanoes: Misti, with a height of 5828 meters (19101 feet), Chachani with 6075 meters (19931 feet) and Pichu Pichu with 5669 meters (18599 feet). Wherever you are in Arequipa city, Misti is always visible.
Arequipa is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is definitely very unique with its white volcanic rock buildings, cathedrals, churches, monasteries, excellent food and it's proximity to the volcanoes Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu.
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| View of Arequipa city and valley with volcano Misti looming large on the left and Pichu Pichu on the right |
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| The "Mirador de Yanahuara" is a series of white stone arches that provide an excellent view of Arequipa and the surrounding volcanoes. |
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| Mirador de Yanahuara. |
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| Very creatively carved tree trunk. |
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| Iglesia de Yanahuara |
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| Beautiful, sculptured facade of the Iglesia de Yanahuara! |
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| Yanahuara street. |
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| The stunning cloisters of the La Compania |
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| La Compania cloisters and the fountain. |
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| Plaza de Aramas |
Nice photographs and descriptions. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Ram, Thanks. I am glad you liked the photos :) There are no more volcanic stones and city has expanded in the outskirts with more modern buildings. The La Compania cloisters reminded me of Indian temples !!!
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