Arequipa history

The history of Arequipa, the second-largest city in Peru, begins long before the arrival of Europeans. Archaeological findings confirm that this fertile valley was inhabited as early as the 6th–7th centuries BC. In the 15th century, these lands, originally populated by the Aymara people, were conquered by the Incas and transformed into a vital agricultural hub of their powerful empire.

Foundation and Colonial Period

The modern city was officially founded on August 15, 1540, by the Spanish conquistador Garcí Manuel de Carbajal (cited in some sources as Pedro Anzures de Campo Redondo) on the orders of Francisco Pizarro. Originally named "Villa de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora del Valle Hermoso," the city soon received its current name, which, according to one theory, stems from the Quechua language meaning "Yes, stay." By December 1540, the Spanish King Charles V granted the settlement the status of a city and a coat of arms.

Key Factors of Development

Arequipa's prosperity was driven by its strategic location. The city became a crucial commercial junction on the route between the rich silver mines of Potosí (in modern-day Bolivia) and the Pacific coast, from where treasures were shipped to Spain. This made it not only an economic hub but also a significant political and administrative centre of Spanish colonial authority in southern Peru.

Cultural and Architectural Features

From the very beginning, Arequipa shaped its distinctive appearance, earning the nickname "The White City" (La Ciudad Blanca). Most historical buildings here are constructed from a light-coloured and durable volcanic stone called sillar. The use of this material, combined with frequent seismic activity, gave rise to a unique architectural style—the "Arequipa School"—which represents a fusion of Spanish Baroque with local indigenous motifs. The city's historic centre, which preserves this unique style, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.

Key Dates in the History of Arequipa

• 15th Century — The region, inhabited by the Aymara people, is conquered by the Inca Empire and becomes an important agricultural centre.
• August 15, 1540 — Official foundation of the city by Spanish conquistador Garcí Manuel de Carbajal under the name "Villa de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora del Valle Hermoso."
• December 22, 1540 — King Charles V of Spain grants the settlement city status and a coat of arms.
• 1580 — The Monastery of Santa Catalina is founded, becoming one of the city's most significant religious and architectural complexes.
• January 25, 1582 — A devastating earthquake occurs, after which the active use of sillar stone for construction begins.
• 1821–1824 — Arequipa becomes one of the centres of the movement for Peru's independence from Spanish rule.
• August 13, 1868 — A massive earthquake almost completely destroys the city, which was subsequently meticulously restored.
• 1870s — Construction of the railway connecting Arequipa with the port of Mollendo and the interior regions, providing a new impetus for economic development.
• December 2, 2000 — The Historic Centre of Arequipa is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its unique architecture.
• June 23, 2001 — A powerful earthquake in southern Peru causes significant damage to historical buildings, including the towers of the Cathedral.

Stages of Development: From Colonial Centre to Modern Metropolis

The history of Arequipa is a tale of resilience, adaptation, and prosperity. The city has undergone numerous transformations that have shaped its unique economic and cultural identity. Here are the key milestones of its development:

• Colonial Trade Hub (16th–18th Centuries). From the moment of its foundation, Arequipa became a vital commercial centre on the route from the silver mines of Potosí to the Pacific coast. Caravans carrying silver, as well as agricultural produce and wool, passed through the city, contributing to its rapid enrichment and growing influence.
• Formation of the "White City" (from the late 16th Century). Frequent earthquakes compelled residents to switch to building with the durable and lightweight volcanic stone—sillar. This not only ensured seismic resistance but also gifted the city its famous white colour and the unique "Arequipa School" architectural style, blending Spanish Baroque with local motifs.
• Railway Construction (1870s). The laying of the Southern Railway, connecting Arequipa with the port of Mollendo and the high-altitude regions of Puno and Cusco, brought about an economic revolution. This provided a powerful boost to trade, particularly the export of alpaca wool, and strengthened the city's status as the economic capital of southern Peru.
• Industrialisation (20th Century). In the 20th century, Arequipa evolved into a significant industrial centre. The textile industry, based on the processing of alpaca and vicuña wool, developed actively here, alongside the food and leather sectors, attracting new investments and workforce to the city.
• UNESCO Recognition (2000). The inclusion of Arequipa's historic centre in the UNESCO World Heritage List served as international acknowledgement of its exceptional cultural and architectural value. This event significantly increased the city's tourism appeal and provided an impulse for the preservation of its unique heritage.
• Modern Economic Hub. Today, Arequipa is the second most important economic centre in Peru after Lima. The city serves as a key base for major mining projects and acts as a centre for trade, finance, and education for the entire southern region of the country.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Arequipa represents a unique phenomenon in global urban planning. The city's appearance is inextricably linked to the region's geology: the abundance of white volcanic stone, known as sillar, defined not only the colour of the buildings but also the structural solutions. Thanks to this material, the city earned its famous nickname "The White City," while the need to withstand frequent earthquakes gave rise to specific engineering techniques, such as thick walls and single-storey construction in earlier periods.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

The architectural development of the city can be divided into several key stages, each leaving its mark on the stone chronicle of the streets:

• Colonial Period (16th–18th Centuries): Andean Baroque

  This is the era of the flourishing of a unique style known as the "Arequipa School" (Escuela Arequipeña). European Baroque here blended with local traditions and aesthetics. Spanish forms were reinterpreted by indigenous craftsmen, leading to the emergence of Mestizo Baroque. It is characterised by lavishly carved facades with floral and zoomorphic ornaments, resembling embroidery on stone. This style dominates the historic centre.

• Republican Period (19th Century): Neoclassicism

  After Peru gained independence, tastes changed. Complex carvings were replaced by stricter lines, symmetry, and monumentality, inspired by European Neoclassicism. Many old mansions (casonas) were renovated, receiving more restrained facades while retaining their traditional internal courtyards or patios.

• Modernism and Contemporary Era (20th–21st Centuries)

  In the 20th century, the city expanded beyond its historical core. Districts with modern developments appeared, where concrete and glass coexist with traditional sillar. However, in prestigious neighbourhoods, architects often stylise new buildings to reflect colonial antiquity, preserving the visual integrity of the urban environment.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The urban fabric of Arequipa is woven from numerous masterpieces that form its unique atmosphere:

• Historic Centre (Casco Histórico). The heart of the city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Concentrated here are the main monuments of the colonial era with their massive walls and arched vaults.
• Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. A majestic structure on the Plaza de Armas, occupying the entire northern side of the square. It is one of the few cathedrals in the world to have 70 columns on its facade. The building has been restored multiple times after earthquakes, combining elements of Neo-Renaissance and Gothic styles.
• Santa Catalina Monastery. A true "city within a city," founded in 1579. It is a labyrinth of narrow streets, squares, and cells painted in vibrant terracotta and blue colours, contrasting with the rest of the white city. The complex is a benchmark of colonial architecture.
• Church of the Company (Iglesia de la Compañía). The finest example of Mestizo Baroque. The temple's facade is covered with incredibly intricate carvings, and inside, gilded altars in the Churrigueresque style have been preserved.
• Yanahuara District. A picturesque historic district with narrow cobbled streets and old houses made of sillar. It is famous for its viewpoint with arches, offering a canonical view of the Misti volcano.

Distinguished Personalities of Arequipa

Arequipa, Peru's "White City," has given the world numerous outstanding figures in various fields—from literature and science to politics and the arts. These individuals have left a deep imprint not only on the history of their country but also on the global stage. Here are some of the most renowned natives of the city.

• Mario Vargas Llosa (born 1936) — Writer, playwright, essayist, and political figure. He is one of the leading authors of the "Latin American Boom" and the recipient of the 2010 Nobel Prize in Literature. His works, such as "The Time of the Hero" and "Conversation in the Cathedral," have been translated into dozens of languages and are considered classics of world literature. A museum house dedicated to his life and work is located in Arequipa.
• Víctor Andrés Belaúnde (1883–1966) — A distinguished diplomat, philosopher, historian, and politician. He played a key role in Peru's international relations, served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and was the President of the 14th Session of the UN General Assembly in 1959-1960. His intellectual legacy has had a tremendous influence on 20th-century Peruvian thought.
• José Luis Bustamante y Rivero (1894–1989) — Lawyer, politician, diplomat, and President of Peru from 1945 to 1948. His administration is remembered for its commitment to democratic principles. Later, he reached the pinnacle of an international legal career, becoming the President of the International Court of Justice in The Hague (1967–1970).
• Pedro Paulet (1874–1945) — Engineer, scientist, and visionary, considered by many as one of the pioneers of rocketry. As early as the late 19th century, he conducted experiments with a liquid-fuel rocket engine, decades ahead of his time. His work anticipated the development of modern space technologies, and he is revered in Peru as the father of astronautics.
• Mariano Melgar (1790–1815) — Romantic poet and revolutionary who became a symbol of the struggle for Peru's independence. His work, especially the popular "yaravíes" (melancholy love songs), combined Spanish literary forms with local traditions. Melgar joined the uprising against Spanish rule and was executed at the age of 24, becoming a national hero.
• Francisco García Calderón (1834–1905) — Lawyer, diplomat, and political figure. He served as the provisional President of Peru during one of the most tragic periods in the country's history—during the Chilean occupation in the War of the Pacific. His unyielding stance in negotiations and refusal to cede territory made him a symbol of national dignity.