Arequipa - Recoleta Monastery

(Local Name: Monasterio de la Recoleta) The Monasterio de la Recoleta, founded by the Franciscans, was first located on the west side of the Rio Chili where it was built in 1648. It was later rebuilt, following a major earthquake, in its current location. The Monasterio de la Recoleta is known for its impressive library with over 20,000 books and documents.

The monastery's museum has a number of interesting collections. Some of these include pre-Inca artifacts, mummies, and religious art with paintings from the famous Escuela Cuzqueña. At the back of the convent is a collection of specimens and artifacts gathered by the missionaries on trips to the Amazon basin.