The old and the new Peru

by Marie Robinson Wright

PLAZA DE ARMAS, AREQUIPA.

The Cathedral of Arequipa is one of the most admirable specimens of church architecture in America. Its façade measures four hundred and fifty feet in length; three entrances, and the support of seventy columns of composite Ionic and Doric style, give a magnificent appearance to the edifice. The peculiar advantage offered by its location—dominating a spacious plaza—enhances the imposing effect of its splendid architecture, which would have been dwarfed, from an artistic point of view, in a less commanding site. The interior of the temple is divided into three naves, separated by superb columns that support the great arches above with harmonious effect. The main altar piece is of marble and the pulpit is a work of superior art in carved wood. There is an atmosphere of rest and peace within the walls of this noble edifice that is felt not only by the pious worshipper who seeks this consecrated place for the purpose of prayer, but even by the indifferent passer-by, attracted within by the music of the splendid choir, or by the artist’s appreciation of the beautiful.

Of earlier origin than the Cathedral, the construction of the church of the Jesuits was begun in the sixteenth century, though it was not until a hundred years later that its vaulted roof was finished. It is one of the celebrated churches of Peru, both for its architectural importance and its interesting history. The Dominican friars founded their convent in Arequipa in 1582, and the present temple of Santo Domingo is among the principal churches of the city. Nearly all the religious orders were represented here during the viceroyalty, the Convent of Mercy having been founded in 1548, while the existing edifice was built nearly two hundred and fifty years ago. The Franciscans established their first convent in Arequipa in 1552, the church of this order at present being one of the largest and most beautiful in the city. There are three nunneries here, Santa Catalina, Santa Teresa, and Santa Rosa.

STREET SCENE, AREQUIPA.

The social life of the Arequipeña—the lady of Arequipa—is essentially that of a refined, gracious, and charitable Christian, who esteems it her greatest pleasure, as well as duty, to attend to the demands of religion, and to extend to the sick and the needy the gentle kindness which is characteristic of her, whether in the salon, the charity ward, or the abode of suffering. The Orphans’ Asylum of Arequipa reflects this spirit of kindness in its appearance and administration. It occupies a spacious building, and connected with it are large gardens where the children may run and play in the hours of recreation. About four hundred children are accommodated in this institution, which is one of the charges of the Benevolent Society. Under the same administration, the Hospital of San Juan de Dios provides care and comfort to the suffering poor, its matron and nurses belonging to the world-renowned order, the Sisters of Charity. The new hospital is a credit to the enterprise as well as the charitable spirit of the people, who have contributed to make it one of the notable institutions of the country.

CHURCH OF SANTO DOMINGO, AREQUIPA.

The schools of Arequipa, as well as its churches and charities, are an indication of the refinement of its people and their appreciation of the advantages of culture. The University of Arequipa has always been an important centre of learning, presided over by men of illustrious talents, and the various colleges of the city rank among the first in Peru. The Colegio de la Independencia is a celebrated institution, having trained for the service of the republic some of its greatest statesmen. It was in Arequipa that the patriot Gonzalez Vigil learned how to thrill the hearts of his hearers by his earnest and impassioned appeals in favor of justice and liberal government; and he was one of many who came from the schools of Arequipa to join their compatriots in the struggle for good government that followed the inauguration of the republic. The progress of education is as marked in the schools devoted to the instruction of girls as in the boys’ colleges. The Colegio de Señoritas, which is under the administration of the community of Our Lady of the Rosary, and is directed by the Reverend Mother Elena Chaves Delgado, is one of the best educational institutions of Peru. It was founded in 1870 by the Reverend Mother, and for the past ten years it has been under the present administration, the avowed object of the school being “the religious, moral, and scientific improvement of the attendants and the instruction and education of the girls, in accordance with Catholic doctrine and morality, and conforming to the general rules of public instruction.” A notable and admirable feature of the Colegio de Señoritas is the practical character of the education provided. It has been the constant aim of the college to instil into the hearts of its pupils a love of virtue and habits of industry; not only are the girls taught the lessons of books, but they are given an opportunity to learn by practice all the duties of a household, and are prepared to earn a livelihood should the necessity occur.