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History of Hotel Monasterio
The Monastery was originally built in 1595 on the site of the palace of Inca Amaru Qhala. In 1598, it was founded as the Seminary of San Antonio Abad by the sixth Bishop of Cuzco, Monsignor Antonio de la Raya, to train Catholic priests.
The building was seriously damaged by the earthquake in 1650, and upon restoration the beautiful Chapel was added. It is decorated in the indigenous Baroque style with gold-plated pictures frames and truly magnificent paintings by the best artists of the Cusquenian Art School, depicting scenes from the life of San Antonio Abad.
In 1692, by papal edict from Pope Innocent II and the Royal letters Patent issued by King Charles II, the seminary became a Royal Pontifical University. However in 1816, a royal decree from the King of Spain rescinded this authority and the institute reverted back to being a seminary until, May 30, 1965 when the building was remodelled into a hotel.
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In May 1999, Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises took over the management of the renamed Hotel Monasterio.
The Hotel remains a national historical landmark, protected by the INC (National Institute of Culture) and has retained its characteristics and charm. It is a splendid model of the colonial Renaissance style, consisting of three sections in different levels. The heart of the Hotel is the central courtyard with its soft fountain and 300-year old Cedar tree surrounded by gardens and the famous stone cloisters.
The stones around the huge wooden entrance doors looking on to the Plazoleta Nazarenas still bear the Spanish Arms Escutcheon and the image of Bishop Monsignor Juan Serricolea y Olea. | |
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