Cloisters of the Company

The Cloisters of the Society of Jesus in Arequipa: A Jewel of Mestizo Baroque You Can’t Miss

In the heart of Arequipa’s Historic Center, just steps from the Plaza de Armas, lies one of the White City’s most beautiful and surprising treasures: the Cloisters of the Society of Jesus. This architectural complex, built in the 17th century, is not only a masterful example of Mestizo Baroque, but also a space where silence, history, and art converge to create a unique atmosphere.

Unlike other popular monuments, the Cloisters maintain an intimate and tranquil ambiance. Here, you won’t feel the hustle and bustle of the city center; instead, you’ll hear footsteps, murmurs, and the sound of the wind rustling through the white volcanic stone arches. It’s a place that invites you to stroll, observe, and let yourself be enveloped by Arequipa’s charm.

A Space Steeped in Centuries of History

The Cloisters were part of the former Jesuit complex, which included a church, a temple, a school, and religious residences. The Jesuit Order arrived in Arequipa in the 16th century with a clear objective: to evangelize and educate. To this end, they built one of the most refined and complex architectural ensembles in the entire Viceroyalty of Peru.

Its architecture, constructed entirely of sillar—the white volcanic stone characteristic of Arequipa—became the perfect canvas for expressing a unique artistic fusion: Christian figures blended with Andean symbols, local flora, animals, and geometric details. This style, known as Arequipa Mestizo Baroque, is considered one of the most valuable contributions of Peruvian viceregal art.

During the colonial era, the cloisters served as spaces for study, prayer, and work. After the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767, they underwent various uses and restorations, eventually becoming the cultural and commercial complex that welcomes thousands of visitors.

Architecture that tells stories

Walking through the Cloisters is like stepping into an art gallery carved in stone. Every arch, column, and wall has details that reveal the cultural mix of colonial Peru.

Highlights of the complex:

Ashlar arches

Perfectly aligned, they form wide, symmetrical corridors that surround the interior courtyards. The precision of the cuts and the architectural harmony surprise even those who aren’t art lovers.

Carvings of the Mestizo Baroque style

Here you’ll find figures representing:

• coca leaves
• Andean flowers
• mermaids
• angels
• local animals
• geometric shapes

This combination is not accidental: it represented the union between indigenous and European cultures, a fusion that gave rise to an artistic style unique to southern Peru.

Interior courtyards

Filled with natural light, surrounded by double arcades and decorated with pots, plants, and small details that highlight the ashlar stone. They are perfect for resting, reading, or simply enjoying the silence.

Domes and vaults

In some rooms you can see domes with simple decorations, witnesses to the passage of centuries and the different uses the building has had.

What to do today at the Cloisters?

Although it’s a historic space, the Cloisters of the Society of Jesus have also become a modern and cultural hub, ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Visit high-quality artisan shops

Here you’ll find alpaca products, Arequipa jewelry, ceramics, local art, and items made by Peruvian designers.

Have a coffee or a dessert

Many visitors take advantage of the tranquility of the place to enjoy an Arequipa coffee, a pastry, or simply relax.

Take architectural photographs

The Cloisters are one of the most photogenic places in Arequipa. Their arches, shadows, textures, and symmetries allow you to capture incredible images.

  Explore small galleries

Temporary exhibitions of art, crafts, or history are sometimes held.

Visit the Church and Temple of the Society of Jesus

Just a few steps away is the main temple, famous for its mestizo Baroque facade and its impressive main altar.

Location and Access

The Cloisters are located in the heart of the Historic Center:

Corner of General Morán and Álvarez Thomas streets, Arequipa

Just half a block from the Plaza de Armas.

Hours

Generally 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., although hours may vary depending on the season.

Admission

Free. Some events or special rooms may have a small fee.

Traveler Tips

• Visit in the morning, when the light best illuminates the carved sillar stone.
• Bring a good quality camera or cell phone: it’s a perfect place for photos.
• Wear sunscreen: the light in Arequipa is strong even in winter.
• Take the opportunity to combine your visit with the Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía) and the Tristán del Pozo Mansion.
• If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, avoid lunchtime.

Why you should include it in your trip

The Cloisters of the Society of Jesus are a living reminder that Arequipa is a city built with art, history, and patience. It’s a place that holds silence in every corner, yet tells stories in every stone.
Visiting this place is to understand Arequipa’s identity and enjoy a colonial corner that remains as vibrant as it was four centuries ago.