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The entrance to the Monastery of Saint Catherine of Siena, built in
1605 on the same site as the Inca-era “monastery” called Aqllawasi,
Quechua for “House of Virgins of the Sun.” Aqllas were virgins selected
from noble families throughout the Inca Empire, based on their virtue and
beauty. In Cusco, the Aqllas were considered brides of Inti, the sun god,
and spent their cloistered days weaving fine textiles for cult ceremonies.
The nuns of Saint Catherine’s were considered brides of Christ, and spent
their days producing sophisticated liturgical vestments used in Christian
ceremonies. High stone walls built on Inca foundations protected the virtue
and piety of both groups of women.
ART&ARCHITECTURE