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Cathedral Museum

4.5
·164 reviews·Arequipa, Peru

Explore centuries of history and art within the majestic Arequipa Cathedral, featuring jeweled treasures and breathtaking city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Cathedral Museum - Image 1

Cathedral Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore centuries of history and art within the majestic Arequipa Cathedral, featuring jeweled treasures and breathtaking city views.

4.5
(164 reviews)

"The rooftop views are spectacular, and the guided tour is full of information and history about the church and city."

Vertical photo
TIP

Cash for Tickets! 💰

Tickets are often cash-only (Peruvian Soles). Have small bills ready to avoid delays.

Tip Your Guide! 🗣️

Guided tours are highly recommended and informative. Voluntary contributions are appreciated.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jeweled Liturgical Objects

Jeweled Liturgical Objects

Museum Interior

Marvel at fabulous jewelry adorned with precious stones, a dazzling display of faith and artistry.

Devil's Pulpit Legend

Devil's Pulpit Legend

Museum Interior

Discover the intriguing legend of the devil's pulpit, a unique and captivating artifact steeped in local lore.

Rooftop City Views

Rooftop City Views

Cathedral Rooftop

Ascend to the rooftop for spectacular panoramic views of Arequipa and the surrounding volcanoes.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Visit in Advance

While some museums offer free entry on specific days, booking tickets for the Cathedral Museum, especially during peak season, is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Consider guided tours for a richer experience.

Cash is King for Tickets

Many visitors note that tickets for the Cathedral Museum are cash-only. Ensure you have Peruvian Soles (PEN) on hand to purchase your entry, as card facilities may not be available. Tipping your guide is also customary.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon Tours
Why
Guides are readily available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#CatedralDeArequipa #Arequipa #TechoDeLaCatedral #FyP
@arequipaandtours
41.6K likes • 711.3K views

Cash for Tickets! 💰

Tickets are often cash-only (Peruvian Soles). Have small bills ready to avoid delays. Reddit

Tip Your Guide! 🗣️

Guided tours are highly recommended and informative. Voluntary contributions are appreciated. Reddit

El diablo de la catedral 😈⛪️ #leyenda #mito #creencia #eldiablodelacatedral #dios #historia #catedral #diablo #fyp #parati #viral #arequipa #perú #susurrosdelmisti
@susurros.del.misti
33.4K likes • 555.8K views
Spent a little too much on delicious Danish food while visiting Copenhagen and want to spare a penny on the museum visits? This list is for you! ALWAYS FREE The David Collection The Cathedral Museum Bank and Savings Museum DieselHouse Magasin du Nord Museum Møstingshus FREE ON WEDNESDAYS Thorvaldsens Museum Charlottenborg Kunsthal FREE LAST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH Glyptotektet Museum of Copenha...
emmascopenhagen
26 likes • 2.7K views

No Photos in Sacred Areas 🚫

Photography is restricted in certain areas, especially where valuable artifacts are displayed. Reddit

Rooftop Views are a Must! 📸

Don't miss the incredible city and volcano views from the cathedral's rooftop. Reddit

the museum of the moon is back in london for only £3!! both day + nighttime viewings are available 🕯️ 📍museum of the moon, southwark cathedral ☁️ october 10-28th #londonthingstodo #londonhiddengems #museumofthemoon museum of the moon london | london hidden gems | london things to do | london travel
aniyorakang
529.4K likes • 3.9M views

Tips

from all over the internet

Cash for Tickets! 💰

Tickets are often cash-only (Peruvian Soles). Have small bills ready to avoid delays. Reddit

Tip Your Guide! 🗣️

Guided tours are highly recommended and informative. Voluntary contributions are appreciated. Reddit

No Photos in Sacred Areas 🚫

Photography is restricted in certain areas, especially where valuable artifacts are displayed. Reddit

Rooftop Views are a Must! 📸

Don't miss the incredible city and volcano views from the cathedral's rooftop. Reddit

Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟

You'll be doing some walking and climbing, especially to reach the rooftop. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(164 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Arequipa Cathedral Museum for its informative guided tours, stunning rooftop views, and fascinating historical artifacts, particularly the jeweled objects and the legend of the devil's pulpit. The reasonable entry fee and passionate guides contribute to a highly recommended experience, though some note cash-only tickets and photography restrictions in certain areas.

"Amazing cathedral and museum to visit.
The jewlery are fabulous with many many precious stones ( can't take photos here)
You climb up the vathedral and can see arequipa from above.
Beautiful tour !"

Horizon Hugo

"Very good tour. Can tell the guide really loved her job, tip at the end. Tour was full of information and history about the church and city.

So many parts of the church and artifacts inside came from all over the world. The devil pulpit was the most interesting I think. They don't know how much the gold and silver pieces are worth, and that's the area where no photos are allowed.

The tour took a bit over 1 hour and guide spoke very good English and Spanish. Tours every 10 minutes or so.

As someone who's not religious, this was the most interesting church visit I've done yet."

Maddi Petro

"Very reasonable/low price entry. Mandatory tour guide that takes 30-60m is very good overall & informative. Extra bonus with this museum tour is the rooftop with spectacular views of the mountains and plaza"

Jason Parmar

What People Like

Informative guided tours
Spectacular rooftop views
Fascinating historical artifacts

What People Dislike

Cash-only tickets
Photography restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cathedral Museum is located in the heart of Arequipa's historic center, easily accessible by foot from most hotels in the downtown area. Taxis are also readily available if you're coming from further afield. Reddit

Yes, the Arequipa Cathedral is a prominent landmark in the Plaza de Armas, making the museum within it easy to locate. Look for signs directing you to the museum entrance. Reddit

The area around the Cathedral Museum is very walkable. For longer distances, taxis are a convenient and affordable option. Many visitors find walking to be the best way to explore the historic center. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Cathedral Museum is typically around 10 Peruvian Soles per person. It's important to note that tickets are often cash-only, so be sure to have Soles with you. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking in advance or arriving early is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure entry and avoid potential queues. Reddit

Some sources mention free entry on Wednesdays for certain museums in Copenhagen,Instagram but for the Arequipa Cathedral Museum, it's generally a paid attraction. There might be a free visiting window for the main cathedral itself in the late afternoon. Reddit

A guided tour is often included or highly recommended with your museum entry. While the tour itself might be free, a voluntary tip for the guide is customary and greatly appreciated. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but the museum is generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check the most current hours closer to your visit, as they can be affected by religious services. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum houses a collection of religious artifacts, including jeweled liturgical objects, historical documents, and art. A notable highlight is the 'devil's pulpit' with its intriguing legend. Reddit

Photography is generally not allowed in certain areas of the museum, particularly where valuable artifacts and jewelry are displayed. Be mindful of signage and guide instructions. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are a significant part of the experience. Guides are typically very knowledgeable and passionate, offering insights into the history of the church and city. Reddit

A visit, including the guided tour, usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. This allows ample time to appreciate the exhibits and enjoy the rooftop views. Reddit

The 'devil's pulpit' is a unique artifact within the museum, associated with a local legend about a demon attempting to destroy the church. It's considered one of the most interesting pieces by visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rooftop offers spectacular panoramic views of Arequipa and the surrounding volcanoes, making it an prime photography spot. Reddit

Yes, photography is prohibited in certain areas, especially where precious artifacts and jewelry are displayed. Always respect the rules and your guide's instructions. Reddit

From the rooftop, you can capture stunning shots of the Plaza de Armas, the city's colonial architecture, and the majestic Misti volcano and other surrounding peaks. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cathedral Museum can be an engaging experience for families, especially with a good guide who can make history come alive. The legend of the devil's pulpit is often a hit with younger visitors, adding an element of intrigue to the visit. Reddit

While photography is restricted in some areas, the rooftop views offer a great opportunity for kids to see the city from above and spot the volcanoes. The tour duration is manageable for children, and the historical context can be a valuable educational component of your Arequipa trip. Remember to bring cash for tickets and consider a small tip for the guide if they engage the children well. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Cathedral Museum offers excellent value for money, with a very reasonable entry fee. Reddit While tickets are typically cash-only, the cost is minimal, and the experience includes a wealth of historical information and stunning views. Reddit

Opting for the guided tour is highly recommended, as the guides are passionate and informative. Remember that while the tour might be 'free,' a voluntary tip is customary and greatly appreciated by the guides. The rooftop access is a significant bonus, providing incredible photo opportunities without any extra charge. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Arequipa Cathedral: A Historical Marvel

The Arequipa Cathedral itself is a testament to resilience, having been rebuilt multiple times due to earthquakes throughout its history. Its construction showcases a blend of architectural styles, reflecting centuries of influence and adaptation. The Cathedral Museum, housed within this magnificent structure, offers a deeper dive into its rich past and the religious significance it holds for the region. Visitors often express surprise at how engaging a church visit can be, even for those not particularly religious, highlighting the historical and artistic value. Reddit

Inside, you'll find artifacts that tell stories of devotion, craftsmanship, and the global connections Arequipa has maintained. The jeweled liturgical objects are particularly breathtaking, showcasing intricate designs and precious stones that speak to the wealth and importance of the church throughout history. The museum's collection provides a unique perspective on the cultural and spiritual heritage of Arequipa, making it a must-visit for history buffs and curious travelers alike. Reddit

Beyond the museum's exhibits, the Cathedral Museum tour often includes access to the cathedral's rooftop. This vantage point offers unparalleled views of the Plaza de Armas and the iconic Misti volcano, providing a perfect opportunity for photography and a moment of reflection on the city's beauty. The combination of historical artifacts, architectural grandeur, and stunning vistas makes the Cathedral Museum a truly memorable experience. TikTokReddit

Navigating the Cathedral Museum Experience

Visiting the Cathedral Museum is often described as a highly positive and informative experience, largely due to the quality of the guided tours. Many visitors rave about the guides' passion and extensive knowledge, noting that they speak excellent English and Spanish. The tours are typically well-paced, lasting between 30 to 60 minutes, and provide a comprehensive overview of the cathedral's history, its artifacts, and local legends. Reddit

A key piece of advice from travelers is to tip your guide generously. While the tour might be included in the entry fee, guides often rely on these voluntary contributions, and a good guide can significantly enhance your visit. Having a small group for the tour also makes it more personal and engaging. Reddit

Practicalities like cash-only tickets are frequently mentioned, so ensure you have Peruvian Soles on hand. While photography is restricted in some areas, the rooftop views are a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning images of Arequipa. The overall consensus is that the Cathedral Museum offers excellent value for its reasonable entry price, making it a highly recommended activity for anyone visiting Arequipa. Reddit