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Church · Arequipa, Arequipa
Basílica Catedral de Arequipa
Neoclassical sillar Catedral that occupies an entire side of the Plaza de Armas, rebuilt after fires and earthquakes, with a Belgian organ, a pulpit with a carved devil and a guided tour up to the roof.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Basílica Catedral de Arequipa
The Basílica Catedral of Arequipa occupies the entire north side of the Plaza de Armas, with a sillar façade that fills the whole block and two towers. The first church was built in the 16th century, and the temple has been rebuilt several times after earthquakes and a fire in 1844, which gave rise to the current neoclassical façade. In the 2001 earthquake one of the towers collapsed and was rebuilt.
The interior is spacious and bright, with white columns and marble altars. Among the best-known pieces are the organ, brought from Belgium in the 19th century, and the wooden pulpit, carved in France, which has at its base the figure of the defeated devil—a rarity in Catholic churches.
The guided visit includes the cathedral museum, with liturgical objects in gold and silver, vestments and paintings, and ends on the roof, from where you can see the Plaza de Armas from above and, on clear days, the Misti, the Chachani and the Pichu Pichu surrounding the city.
The Catedral remains active, with daily masses. The tourist visit has its own schedule and is restricted during celebrations: check before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the guided visit, including the museum and the roof.
Best time
In the morning, when the sky is usually clearer for the roof view. On Sundays and religious feast days the tour schedule often changes: check before you go.
How to get there
It is on the north side of the Plaza de Armas, in the center of Arequipa. The entrance for the guided tour is through a side door, marked on the façade.
Tip
Take the guided tour to go up to the roof: it’s the best view of the square with the volcanoes. In the nave, look for the devil carved at the base of the pulpit.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basílica Catedral de Arequipa
What is different about the Cathedral's pulpit?
The pulpit, carved from wood in France, has at its base a figure of the defeated devil—something rare in Catholic churches.
Can you go up onto the Cathedral roof?
Yes, on the guided tour. From the roof you can see the Plaza de Armas and, on clear days, the volcanoes surrounding the city.
Has the Cathedral ever been destroyed?
It has been rebuilt several times after earthquakes and a fire in 1844. In the 2001 earthquake one of the towers collapsed and was rebuilt.