Arequipa Like You've Never Heard Before
Five secrets that reveal the soul of the White City
🌋 Arequipa: Curiosities That Will Make You See It Differently
Arequipa is more than just sillar, volcanoes, and picanterías. It’s a city full of secrets, legends, and hidden details… waiting to be revealed. Today, I want to share 5 curiosities you might not know—each one will bring you closer to the soul of this powerful land.
🏛️ 1. The Sillar That Breathes History
The “White City” owes its nickname to sillar, a volcanic stone that builds more than houses—it builds identity. Did you know sillar has thermal properties that help regulate indoor temperature? It’s like the stone is looking after you.
🕊️ 2. A Convent That Feels Like a City
The Monastery of Santa Catalina isn’t just a religious site. It’s a city within a city, with streets, plazas, and secrets. Founded in 1579, it has witnessed centuries of feminine history, spirituality, and art.
🌶️ 3. The Picantería as Ritual
More than food, the Arequipeñan picantería is a ritual of fire, flavor, and community. “Americano” and “Chaque” nourish not just the body, but the soul. Have you ever tasted adobo on a Sunday morning?
🏞️ 4. A Viewpoint That Whispers Legends
From the Yanahuara Viewpoint, you don’t just see the Misti volcano—you hear stories of love, resistance, and migration. It’s a place where the wind seems to tell secrets.
🧠 5. Arequipa and Migrant Resilience
As a Venezuelan migrant living in Mariano Melgar, I’ve learned that Arequipa doesn’t just welcome—it transforms. Every street, every gesture, every story has taught me that culture is shared, reinvented, and celebrated.
✨ Conclusion
Arequipa is more than just a postcard. It’s an experience you live with all five senses. And if you enjoyed this journey, get ready, because in my next post I’ll take you through the quirkiest expressions of Arequipeñan slang… with humor, history, and heart!
This is just the beginning of a series that celebrates the culture, history, and identity of Arequipa. In the next chapter, we’ll dive into the popular expressions that bring its streets to life. Turn on notifications and join me!