Located just steps from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, the Church and Convent of Santa Catalina is one of the most significant religious sites in the city. This place, full of history and spirituality, stands on the grounds that once housed the Acllahuasi during the Inca Empire—known as the “House of the Chosen,” a sacred enclosure reserved for women selected to serve the Sun god.
Origin and Foundation of the Convent
From Acllahuasi to Colonial Convent
Over time and after the arrival of the Spanish, the site was completely transformed. In 1601, Dominican nuns received the land as a donation, and under the leadership of Doña Lucía Isabel Rivera de Padilla, the monastery was established. A church was later built, although it had to be rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1650. The reconstruction was completed in 1669, and many of those structures are still preserved today.
Style and Materials
The architecture is a fusion of Baroque and Mudejar elements, giving the complex a solemn and majestic air. The temple features a high central nave supported by arches decorated with frescoes, while the convent includes courtyards with fountains, vaulted ceilings, and cloisters that continue to house a community of Dominican nuns.
Religious Art and Colonial Legacy
In addition to its religious function, the site houses a museum that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the art and monastic life of the past. You can admire paintings by renowned artists of the Cusco school, as well as liturgical objects and sculptures—some made of precious metals like gold and silver.
Highlighted Pieces
One of the most notable pieces is a model of Christ’s life, used in early evangelization efforts. You’ll also find altarpieces, choir stalls, embroidery, and life-size representations of religious scenes.
Practical Information for Visitors
Hours and Admission
Admission to the site is reasonably priced:
- 8 soles for general public
- 4 soles for students with valid ID
It is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Recommendations and Rules
It is recommended to hire a guide for a more enriching experience, although self-guided visits are also possible. Visitors must follow rules such as not taking photos or touching the artworks inside the museum and convent.
Traditional Sweets
As a special detail, the convent’s nuns prepare traditional sweets like marzipan, which can be purchased for a small donation, helping support the monastery.