The Iglesia de la Compañía is one of the numerous churches located in the
Historic Center of Arequipa, Peru.
Temple erected by the Company of Jesus in the Peruvian city of Arequipa, one
of the most outstanding examples of the so-called Andean baroque architecture.
Inside the temple you can see carved wooden altarpieces covered with gold
leaf.
In the sacristy is the chapel of San Ignacio, with polychrome murals showing
tropical flora and fauna.
The cloisters were built in the 18th century.
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Main façade
The main façade, in a mestizo baroque style, stands out as one of the
masterpieces—head of the series—of South American colonial decoration.
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It is distinguished by treating the relief on the surface and not in
depth.
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The main façade of the church was rebuilt in 1698 after an earthquake.
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Although it belongs to the second half of the 17th century, its
influence extends throughout the 18th century, not only in the
Arequipa environment, but also has influence in the Peruvian
territory.
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The novelty that begins with this planar decoration is that of using
native elements. Americans, plants, animals and themes resurrected
from pre-Hispanic mythology mixed with European motifs, which cover
the façade with true horror of emptiness.
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Calvary in the church entrance courtyard
A calvary is a type of monumental public Christian cross, sometimes
encased in an open shrine.
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Side portal of the Church of the Company of Jesus
Above the door is the equestrian statue of Saint James.
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Between Saint James and the door, we can see two mermaids, one on each
side.
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Main altar of the Church of the Society of Jesus
In the center of the main altar is James the Great.
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James the Great (died 44 CE) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus.
According to the New Testament, he was the second of the apostles to
die (after Judas Iscariot), and the first to be martyred.
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Saint James is the patron saint of Spain and, according to tradition,
his remains are held in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.
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See more at
James the Great - Wikipedia.
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Panorama of the north cloister
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Panorama of the south cloister
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See also
Source
Location
