Cusco - Santa Catalina Convent and Art Museum

(Local Name: Monasterio y Museo de Arte de Santa Catalina) The Monasterio y Museo de Arte de Santa Catalina (Santa Catalina Convent and Art Museum) was opened in 1610, founded by Lucia Isabel Rivera de Padilla. It is still an active Dominican convent. It was built on the Inca ruins of Acllawasi, where chosen Inca women would dedicate their life to teaching, weaving Inca ceremonial robes and sun worship. Today the Monastery houses a religious art collection, including paintings from the famous Escuela Cusqueña.

The Monasterio y Museo de Arte de Santa Catalina has an impressive interior, with high painted arches, and a beautiful capitulary room.