Church of La Compañía
A masterpiece of Baroque Mestizo architecture, this church boasts an incredibly ornate facade and a unique jungle-motif chapel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Church of La Compañía
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A masterpiece of Baroque Mestizo architecture, this church boasts an incredibly ornate facade and a unique jungle-motif chapel.
"A masterpiece dipped in gold and devotion, every corner glows with centuries of faith and unmatched artistry."
📸 Photography Tips
Capture the facade's details! Inside, be mindful of mass times and museum restrictions.
🎟️ Museum Access
A museum ticket grants access to the Capilla de San Ignacio and exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elaborate Facade
A masterpiece of Baroque Mestizo style, carved from the Misti volcano's stone. A true visual feast.
Jungle-Motif Chapel
Discover the unique Capilla de San Ignacio, adorned with stunning jungle-inspired motifs.
Ornate Courtyard
Explore the beautiful double courtyard, now a vibrant commercial and dining space.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photography Tips
Capture the facade's details! Inside, be mindful of mass times and museum restrictions.
🎟️ Museum Access
A museum ticket grants access to the Capilla de San Ignacio and exhibits.
🚶 Explore the Cloister
Start your visit with the adjacent cloister before the basilica.
📍 Prime Location
Conveniently located next to the main square, making it an easy visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Tips
Capture the facade's details! Inside, be mindful of mass times and museum restrictions.
🎟️ Museum Access
A museum ticket grants access to the Capilla de San Ignacio and exhibits.
🚶 Explore the Cloister
Start your visit with the adjacent cloister before the basilica.
📍 Prime Location
Conveniently located next to the main square, making it an easy visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Church of La Compañía for its breathtakingly ornate facade and the unique, jungle-themed interior of the Capilla de San Ignacio. The historical significance and architectural beauty, especially its Baroque Mestizo style, are major draws. Some find the photography restrictions inside a bit limiting, and the museum ticket is necessary for full access.
"Worth visiting. Beautiful architecture. The facade is very ornate and unique to Arequipa. Photography is allowed inside but is discourage during mass. There is a museum at the left side altar. The museum ticket gives access to the capilla de san ignacio and a small eucharistic exhibit.picture taking is not allowed inside the domed chapel and exhibits. Has a beautiful ornate double courtyard being used as commercial and dinning place."
leo lobarbio
"This beautiful barroque church from the early 17th century is totally worth visiting. We visited in early May between 3:15-3:45pm and the light made the place even more magical!"
rocio tamez
"Start the visit with the adjacent cloister and finish with the basilica. It is part of the Unesco patrimony. It's construction started in 1590 and took about a century to be completed. As Arequipa is in a seismic zone with frequent earthquakes, the basilica had to follow a special design with robust arched vaults and small windows."
Chris Lutz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Church of La Compañía is centrally located on the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa, making it easily accessible by foot from most central hotels. Taxis are also readily available to take you to the main square.
Parking directly at the Plaza de Armas can be challenging due to its popularity. It's recommended to use taxis or public transport, or to park in a nearby secure parking lot and walk the short distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance to the main church is often free, but a ticket is required for the museum and the Capilla de San Ignacio. This ticket also grants access to a small eucharistic exhibit.
The church is generally open during daylight hours, but it's best to check for specific times, especially around mass services. The museum has its own operating hours, typically from 9 am to 6 pm.
Photography is generally permitted inside the church, but it is discouraged during mass. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the domed chapel and museum exhibits.
For general entry to the church, advance booking is usually not necessary. However, if you plan to visit during peak tourist seasons or special events, it might be wise to check for any booking requirements.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the incredibly ornate facade, the unique Capilla de San Ignacio with its jungle motifs, and the beautiful double courtyard. The museum also offers insights into the church's history.
The main church area is generally accessible, but some parts like the museum exhibits or certain chapels might involve stairs. It's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility upon arrival.
The church is a prime example of Baroque Mestizo style, featuring an elaborate facade carved from local volcanic stone. It's renowned as one of the best examples of Baroque churches in South America.
A visit can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the museum and the courtyard. Allow extra time if you plan to dine in the courtyard restaurants.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the ornate double courtyard has been transformed into a vibrant area with commercial spaces and dining establishments, offering a unique atmosphere to enjoy a meal.
The restaurants in the courtyard typically offer a mix of local Peruvian cuisine and international dishes. You can enjoy traditional Arequipeñan flavors in a historic setting.
📸 📸 Photography
The intricately carved facade is a must-photograph. The courtyard also offers beautiful architectural shots. Inside, focus on the grand scale and details, but be mindful of restrictions.
Drone usage is generally restricted in historic city centers and around religious sites to preserve the atmosphere and prevent disturbances. It's best to avoid flying drones in this area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that photography is restricted in certain areas, which might be a point of contention for kids eager to capture memories. The museum ticket offers good value by including access to the chapel and exhibits, providing a bit more to explore.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside, focus on capturing the grandeur of the nave and the unique jungle motifs in the Capilla de San Ignacio, but be acutely aware of the photography restrictions, especially during mass and within the museum exhibits. The double courtyard also provides excellent framing opportunities for architectural shots.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the museum to understand the context of its creation and its significance in the region's religious and cultural history. The Baroque Mestizo style itself is a subject of study, showcasing the fusion of European and indigenous artistic influences.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: Baroque Mestizo Style
Construction began in 1590 and took nearly a century to complete, a testament to the dedication and skill involved. The church's robust arched vaults and relatively small windows were a deliberate design choice to withstand Arequipa's frequent seismic activity, making it not only beautiful but also structurally resilient.
Inside, the Capilla de San Ignacio stands out with its unexpected jungle motifs, a departure from typical religious iconography. This chapel, accessible with a museum ticket, offers a glimpse into the creative freedom and unique artistic expressions of the era.
A Glimpse into History and Faith
As part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Arequipa, the church plays a crucial role in preserving the city's cultural heritage. Visitors can explore an adjacent museum that houses religious artifacts and provides context about the church's construction and its importance to the community.
Many visitors describe the atmosphere inside as one of profound peace and devotion, even amidst the grandeur. The blend of historical significance and active religious practice makes it a compelling destination for those interested in culture, history, and spirituality.
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