Arequipa's Cathedral and Main Square

Considered one of Peru's most unique and famous colonial cathedrals since the Spanish conquest, the sillar-built Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa has suffered many catastrophes since its construction in the seventeenth century.

It has been partially or totally rebuilt due to earthquakes (particularly strong in 1583, 1604, and 2001), a volcano eruption (1600), and a violent fire (1844) which destroyed several parts of the building.

The 1868 restoration, under the direction of architect Lucas Poblete, is Neoclassical and mostly stands to date. It includes many pieces made abroad: the clock of the tower (England), the music organ (Belgium), the pulpit (made at the shop of Buisine-Rigot in Lille, France), as well as many jewellery pieces that were commissioned to the Spanish jeweller Francisco de Moratilla, at the time the jeweller of the Queen of Spain.

The Cathedral is located in the Plaza de Armas, a lovely, symmetrical square bordered by arched walkways and granite portals with brick and lime bases. At the square's centre, amidst well-cared gardens and palm trees, there is a 3-plate bronze fountain crowned by the figure of a sixteenth century soldier, nicknamed the “Tuturutu”.

With exceprts from Wikipedia and PromPeru.