[CATHEDRAL] [COMPANY OF JESUS] [SANTA CATALINA] [LA MERCED] [SAN FRANCISCO] [SAN BLAS] [SAN PEDRO]

SANTA CATALINA

Santa Catalina
Built by the Spanish between 1601 and 1610 on top of Acllahuasi, where the Inca emperor once housed his chosen Virgins of the Sun, this convent and museum houses an interesting collection of colonial and religious art. Like other attractions in Cusco, this museum has a number of pieces from the Cusqueña School, an art movement emphasizing the union of both Inca and Spanish culture. In addition to baroque frescoes depicting Inca vegetation, the chapel also houses macabre statues of Jesus, beautifully painted arches, and 17th century tapestries. Perhaps the highlight of this site is a trunk of 3D figurines which recount the life of Christ. Objects such as this were popular devices used by the Catholic Church’s “traveling salesmen,” who were responsible for converting many of the indigenous people throughout Peru.