The Santa Catalina Monastery opened its doors to the public on August 15th, 1970 as one of the most important monuments of viceregal architecture in Perú, and The Americas, placing Arequipa on the international tourism map.

After 50 years of operation, and with the purpose of covering deficiencies that had appeared with the passage of time, a careful project of architectural restoration was created to rehabilitate new spaces that were being unused due to poor structural condition. This opened an area that consists of three great vaults that formed the ancient Procurement and the Chapter Hall of the monastery that has been purposed for the showing of temporary paintings and other cultural activities.

With the opening of a door facing Ugarte street that had been closed, you can now enter these new rooms either through the Patio del Silencio inside of the monastery or from Ugarte street.

The adaptation of these areas has allowed us to reach a larger amount of the public; both tourists and the Arequipa community. Entrance to see the temporary paintings is free which makes it an excellent alternative for recreation.