Historical Background

Arequipa is one of the most historically rich Peruvian cities. The city's colonial history is evident in extant Spanish manorial houses, monasteries and convents, some of which date to the sixteenth century. However, Arequipa's history is deeper and more complex than this colonial architecture implies.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the area may have been inhabited as early as 6000 BCE. Visitors to Arequipa may examine archaeologically significant rupestrian paintings and carved stones at several nearby sites, including Toro Muerto in the Valle de Majes, and the caves of Sumbay (Yura Province, 4,127 meters above sea level).

Before the fifteenth century AD., Arequipa's fertile valley was occupied by Aymara Indians, an indigenous group that existed across the Andean antiplano. In the 1400s, the area was conquered by Incas, was successfully cultivated, and came to serve as the Inca Empire's most important supplier of grain and other agrarian products. The remains of irrigation systems and farming terraces from this time period still exist in the mountains around Arequipa.

On August 15, 1540, the modern city of Arequipa was founded by Garcí Manuel de Carbajal, a representative of the infamous conquistador Francisco Pizarro. During the Spanish colonial period, which lasted until José de San Martín's declaration of Peruvian independence in July of 1821, agriculture remained Arequipa's principal economic activity. European crops including wine, liquors and olive oil were successfully established in its fertile valley.

During the nineteenth century struggle for independence, Arequipa was a center of Peruvian nationalism. Once San Martín brought independence to the nation, Arequipa became a symbol of its freedom. The prideful, daring and rebellious temperament of Arequipeños made them supporters and visible leaders of revolutions. Arequipa came to be known throughout South America as the "Land of Leaders."

Arequipa today is the economic heart of southern Peru and one of the nation's most important milk producers. The city has undergone rapid urbanization in the past century, as old houses and manors have been converted into hotels, banks and restaurants. For example, the Claustros de la Compañía now houses a shopping center. The Banco Central de Reserva del Peru and Banco Continental refurbished the Casa Goyeneche and Ricketts manorial houses, which are now their branch offices. The Banco Industrial did the same with Casa del Moral, and the Universidad Nacional de San Agustín updated the Casa Irriberry and Arrospide to hold the Complejo Cultural Chaves de la Rosa de la U.N.S.A.

In 2000, UNESCO declared Arequipa's historic district to be a World Heritage Site, saying, "The historical center of Arequipa is an example of ornamented architecture, represents a masterpiece of the creative coalition of European and native characteristics. A colonial town challenged by the conditions of nature, the indigenous influences, the conquest process and evangelism as well as for a spectacular natural scenario."

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