{"id":71215,"date":"2026-06-01T10:45:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T15:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/?p=71215"},"modified":"2026-07-19T22:59:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T03:59:13","slug":"famous-streets-of-arequipas-historic-centre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/famous-streets-of-arequipas-historic-centre\/","title":{"rendered":"Famous Streets of Arequipa\u2019s Historic Centre"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0286.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70974\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0286.webp 866w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0286-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0286-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0286-768x511.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Arequipa is <strong>one of the most beautiful cities in Peru<\/strong>. Its <a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/tours-arequipa\/free-walking-tour-arequipa\/\">Historic Centre<\/a>, declared a UNESCO <strong>World Heritage Site<\/strong>, will captivate you with its convents, churches, and monumental <strong>mansions built from blocks of sillar<\/strong>. The use of this volcanic stone gives its colonial and republican buildings a distinctive character that sets them apart from those found in other cities across the country. This uniqueness is part of its charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Founded on 15 August 1540<\/strong> by Garc\u00ed Manuel de Carbajal, the city&#8217;s name is believed by some to derive from the Q<strong>uechua expression <em>ari qepay<\/em><\/strong>, meaning \u201cyes, stay here\u201d in English. According to tradition, this was the response given by the Inca Mayta C\u00e1pac when his followers asked whether they could stop their journey in this sunny valley. However, this is not the only explanation. Others believe the name comes from <strong>the Aymara words ari (summit) and queppa (behind)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1844.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70982\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1844.webp 864w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1844-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1844-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1844-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When you visit Arequipa, both interpretations seem to make sense. As you stroll through its squares and streets, you may find yourself <strong>wanting to stay one or several days longer<\/strong>. You will also notice that the so-called \u201cWhite City\u201d lies behind\u2014or in front of, depending on your perspective\u2014three volcanoes: <a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/arequipa-volcanoes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chachani, Picchu Picchu, and Misti<\/a>. The latter is the city\u2019s icon, emblem, and source of pride for those born in this land at <strong>2,335 metres above sea level<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Famous for its exquisite and diverse gastronomy, Arequipa invites you to discover <strong>its traditional flavours in the local picanter\u00edas<\/strong>, where some of the finest dishes of Arequipe\u00f1an cuisine are served. Rocoto relleno, pastel de papa, cuy chactado, ocopa arequipe\u00f1a, zarza de patas, and adobo de cerdo are just a few of the delicacies awaiting you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are visiting Arequipa and would like to enjoy this culinary experience, <a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/tours-arequipa\/free-foodie-tour-arequipa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gastronomic tours<\/a>\u2014both private and free\u2014offer an excellent opportunity to discover the city\u2019s <strong>food heritag<\/strong>e through its <strong>most iconic flavours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1991.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1991.webp 864w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1991-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1991-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1991-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After a <strong>hearty breakfast or lunch<\/strong>, it is a great idea to explore the streets of the Historic Centre. While <strong>every street has something interesting to offer<\/strong>, some are truly special. If you would like to find out which ones they are, join this journey through the urban heart of Arequipa\u2014the \u201cWhite City\u201d and <strong>the volcanic land where<\/strong>, as one of the \u201cChildren of the Sun\u201d supposedly decreed centuries ago, one should stop and stay.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A World Heritage Site<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0261.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70986\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0261.webp 866w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0261-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0261-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0261-768x511.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Built from volcanic sillar stone, Arequipa\u2019s Historic Centre represents a remarkable <strong>blend of European construction techniques and local building traditions<\/strong>. This fusion is reflected in the outstanding work of colonial master builders, as well as Creole and Indigenous stonemasons. The combination of influences can be seen in the city\u2019s sturdy walls, arches and vaults, courtyards, and open spaces, as well as in the <strong>intricate Baroque decoration that adorns many of its fa\u00e7ades<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are just some of the reasons why <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/1016\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">UNESCO<\/a> declared the <strong>historic and founding centre of Arequipa<\/strong> a World Heritage Site. According to Peru\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, the area contains <strong>273 mansions classified as monuments<\/strong> and 433 buildings of heritage interest, most of which <strong>were built from sillar during the eighteenth century<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1820.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70990\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1820.webp 864w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1820-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1820-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1820-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Within this monumental area, <strong>several unique landmarks stand out, including Plaza de Armas<\/strong>, surrounded by sillar arcades and dominated by the impressive Cathedral Basilica; the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a dazzling city within a city devoted to faith; the Church of the Society of Jesus, <strong>a magnificent example of colonial religious<\/strong> architecture; and the <a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/san-lazaro-neighbourhood-in-arequipa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">San L\u00e1zaro neighbourhood<\/a>, the oldest and perhaps the most picturesque part of the city, with its narrow <strong>streets that resemble a labyrinth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of these places are connected by attractive streets where every step brings you closer to the origins and essence of the \u201cWhite City\u201d \u2014 <strong>a city with identity, character, and tradition<\/strong>. This is exactly what you will experience as you stroll along Mercaderes Street, <strong>Cathedral Passage<\/strong>, Santa Catalina Street, San Francisco Street, Sucre Street, \u00c1lvarez Thomas Street, and the charming alleyways of the San L\u00e1zaro neighbourhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get ready to walk through <strong>the historic and volcanic streets of Arequipa<\/strong>, the city protected by three immense volcanoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mercaderes Street\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1286.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70994\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1286.webp 866w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1286-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1286-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1286-768x511.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Its four pedestrianised blocks hold <strong>more than three centuries of history<\/strong>. During colonial times, this street <strong>was where merchants and traders gathered<\/strong> to offer a wide variety of goods. That commercial spirit remains alive today. Many of its historic mansions have been transformed into shopping arcades, restaurants, caf\u00e9s, and a wide range of shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But do not be mistaken. Mercaderes Street, which begins at Plaza de Armas, is much more than a place for buying and selling. As you stroll along it,<strong> you will discover buildings of great architectural interest<\/strong>, such as the Gamesa Gallery building (Mercaderes 212), notable for its beautiful inner courtyard, and the <strong>Municipal Theatre<\/strong> (Mercaderes 239), with its <strong>striking white sillar fa\u00e7ade<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are not the only noteworthy landmarks. The El Patio del Ekeko Gallery (Mercaderes 141) and Los Tambos Colonial Hotel have preserved much of their architectural charm despite being adapted for commercial use. When you reach the fourth block, look for number 411. This is a <strong>nineteenth-century mansion built in the Neoclassical style<\/strong> that has been declared a National Cultural Heritage Site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cathedral Passage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0294.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71014\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0294.webp 866w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0294-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0294-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0294-768x511.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Very close to Mercaderes Street, on the corner of Plaza de Armas and beside the Cathedral Basilica, you will discover <strong>a charming passageway full of character and picturesque<\/strong> details. Along its 300-metre length, you will find a wide selection of handicraft shops, restaurants, bars, and other establishments that create <strong>a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere<\/strong>, perfectly complementing the <a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/arequipa-culinary-gastronomy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gastronomy of Arequipa\u2019s White City<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The passage links Santa Catalina Street with San Francisco Street. When you visit, take a moment to <strong>admire the white sillar walls<\/strong> that form the side fa\u00e7ade of the Cathedral. <strong>Access to the passage is free<\/strong>, and its shops generally open from 09:00 until 22:00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Santa Catalina Street<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1909.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70998\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1909.webp 864w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1909-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1909-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC1909-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Its main attraction is the <a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/monastery-santa-catalina-of-arequipa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Monastery of Saint Catherine of Siena<\/a>. From Cathedral Passage, you will walk approximately 300 metres to reach this <strong>city of faith<\/strong> which, since the sixteenth century, has been home to women who chose to withdraw from worldly life and <strong>dedicate themselves to God<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Along the way to the monastery, founded in 1579 through the initiative of the Spanish widow Mar\u00eda de Guzm\u00e1n, <strong>you will come across caf\u00e9s and restaurants<\/strong> where you can enjoy a pleasant break. You will also see historic mansions with wooden balconies. <strong>The walk is peaceful<\/strong> and enjoyable, as the first few blocks are pedestrianised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make the most of your visit by allowing yourself to get <strong>\u201clost\u201d within the monastery\u2019s 20,000 square metres<\/strong>. Its <a href=\"https:\/\/santacatalina.org.pe\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">cloisters<\/a> (including living quarters, kitchens, and laundries), tranquil courtyards, inspiring art gallery, and narrow internal streets <strong>will transport you to another era<\/strong> and offer a fascinating insight into the past and present lives of the cloistered nuns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>San Francisco Street<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0281.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71002\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0281.webp 866w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0281-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0281-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0281-768x511.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is <strong>one of the liveliest streets in Arequipa\u2019s Historic Centre<\/strong>. Along San Francisco Street, you will find restaurants, bars, <em>pubs<\/em>, museums, a colonial church, a former estate converted into an artisan gallery, and a mansion that many specialists consider to have the <strong>most richly decorated fa\u00e7ade<\/strong> in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From Santa Catalina Street, it is only a short walk of around 150 metres to reach San Francisco Street. Once there, head towards the square, church, and convent of the same name, a <strong>masterpiece of Mestizo Baroque<\/strong> architecture dating back to the sixteenth century. You should also visit the <strong>colonial estate known as El Fierro<\/strong>, an ideal place to <strong>purchase some of the finest local handicrafts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the first block, stop in front of the Trist\u00e1n del Pozo Mansion. Built in 1738, its sillar fa\u00e7ade is a striking example of the elaborate ornamentation characteristic of Mestizo Baroque architecture. Medallions bearing sacred monograms, <strong>a depiction of the cantuta<\/strong> (Peru\u2019s national flower), and <strong>decorative gargoyles<\/strong> are just some of the details that will catch your eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2009, the building\u2019s interior was transformed into the exhibition halls of <strong>the Pedro Brescia Cafferata Art Gallery<\/strong>, operated by <strong>BBVA<\/strong>. Admission is free. If you are interested in exploring more of Arequipa\u2019s cultural heritage, consider visiting the Religious Art <a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/museums-arequipa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Museum<\/a> and the Municipal History Museum as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sucre Street<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A haven of colonial and republican architecture, this urban thoroughfare <strong>was once known as Callej\u00f3n de los Tirados<\/strong>. Now a pedestrian street, it <strong>preserves intact sillar fa\u00e7ades<\/strong>, carved doorways, and balconies that reveal <strong>the social importance of the families<\/strong> who once lived in this part of the Historic Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sucre Street <strong>can be reached from Plaza de Armas<\/strong> via Puente Bolognesi Street or San Agust\u00edn Street. Along the way, take the opportunity to <strong>photograph the Flores, San Agust\u00edn, and Municipalidad<\/strong> arcades, which surround the historic heart of the White City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u00c1lvarez Thomas Street<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1217.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71006\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1217.webp 866w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1217-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1217-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1217-768x511.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It is very easy to find. If you are in Plaza de Armas, <strong>head towards the Church of the Society of Jesus<\/strong>, located between the Municipalidad and Flores arcades. The side wall of this <strong>jewel of Mestizo Baroque<\/strong> architecture\u2014whose construction began in 1590\u2014runs alongside \u00c1lvarez Thomas Street, which was formerly <strong>known as Ejercicios Street and San Bernardo Street<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The street is named in honour of <strong>Jos\u00e9 Ignacio \u00c1lvarez Thomas<\/strong>, a <strong>politician and military leader born in Arequipa<\/strong> in 1787 who served as Supreme Director of the United Provinces of the R\u00edo de la Plata in 1815. He is remembered for his strong support of <strong>General Jos\u00e9 de San Mart\u00edn<\/strong> in his efforts to secure the independence of Argentina, Chile, and Peru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among its most notable landmarks are <strong>the Municipal Public Library<\/strong> (\u00c1lvarez Thomas 312), an <em>Art Nouveau<\/em> building that houses a copy of <em>El Republicano<\/em>, Arequipa\u2019s first newspaper, published in 1825; and the Villalobos House Museum (\u00c1lvarez Thomas 206), renowned for <strong>its magnificent sillar fa\u00e7ade<\/strong>. A true delight for the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>San L\u00e1zaro Neighbourhood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0231.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71010\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0231.webp 866w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0231-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0231-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_0231-768x511.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spanish conquerors<\/strong> settled in this part of the city in 1540. For that reason, San L\u00e1zaro is considered <strong>the first neighbourhood of Arequipa<\/strong>. From Plaza de Armas, it can be reached via Santa Catalina Street or San Francisco Street (approximately 800 metres and 1 kilometre respectively), making it <strong>an excellent destination for a walk through its historic alleyways<\/strong> and passageways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The neighbourhood is highly Instagrammable thanks to its <strong>narrow streets lined with sillar houses<\/strong>, windows protected by wrought-iron grilles, and flower pots decorating the walls. Every little lane, filled with a sense of history, <strong>leads to the peaceful San L\u00e1zaro Square<\/strong>, where the church of the same name stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The alleyways and passageways you should explore in the neighbourhood include: <strong>Viol\u00edn Alley (one of the narrowest and most visited)<\/strong>, Cristales Alley (where glassware and ceramics were once sold), Desaguadero Alley (where an irrigation channel once ran), <strong>Ripacha Alley (one of San L\u00e1zaro\u2019s tourist gems)<\/strong>, Calienes Alley, and Combate Naval Alley, which will impress you with its architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are still many more streets to discover in San L\u00e1zaro and countless <a href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/top-things-to-do-in-arequipa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">things to do in Arequipa<\/a>. Dare to wander through the White City and uncover, step by step, its <strong>remarkable architectural and cultural heritage<\/strong>. Take your time and let yourself be accompanied by Misti, the guardian volcano of a destination that is <strong>a true source of pride for all humanity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1283.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71018\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1283.webp 866w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1283-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1283-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC_1283-768x511.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Arequipa is one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. Its Historic Centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will captivate you with its convents, churches, and monumental mansions built from blocks of sillar. The use of this volcanic stone gives its colonial and republican buildings a distinctive character that sets them apart from those [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":70975,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[71],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-71215","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arequipa"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Famous Streets of Arequipa\u2019s Historic Centre | Complete guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the most famous streets of the Arequipa&#039;s historic center: Streets full of history, architecture and tradition of Arequipa.\" \/>\n<meta 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