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Santa Catalina Arch

Arco de Santa Catalina

Seventeenth-century colonial arch and bridge originally built to connect a convent to an extension across the street. This UNESCO World Heritage landmark features a distinctive clock tower added during the nineteenth century. Read more…

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The Arco de Santa Catalina is a 17th-century architectural monument originally constructed to link a convent with an extension and school across the street. This elevated bridge allowed cloistered nuns to move between buildings while remaining hidden from public view. The structure is an iconic example of colonial architecture and serves as a central symbol of the local heritage.

A prominent feature of the monument is the yellow clock tower positioned at its peak. While the base arch dates to the 1600s, the clock was added during the 19th century. The site is designated as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.

The landmark is a frequent subject for photography due to its distinctive design. It spans a public thoroughfare and remains one of the most recognizable historic structures in the area.

Tours & Activities

monumenthistoricalcolonialarchunescoheritagearchitecturebridge
Riverside Hotel
Taxi · 8 min
Santa Catalina Arch
2h
Walk · 6 min
Corner Café
45 min
Walk · 18 min
Riverside Hotel

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