Once in 1600 due to the eruption of the volcano Huaynaputina was destroyed many churches in the city, Bishop Antonio Raya averted place for the construction of the church and the convent of Santa Catalina (St. Catherine) in Cusco. His first building was built in 1643. But 7 years later an earthquake destroyed this temple. It was restored with the changes in 1669.

The appearance of the church several contrasts with the decorative richness of the interior. The side walls of the church is decorated with a series of remarkable paintings on the life of St. Catherine of Siena, the artist Juan Espinosa de los Monteros 1669. It dates from the same period a large canvas, signed by Lorenzo Sanchez de Medina, representing the Dominican saints, including the Holy Rose Lima, recently canonized. In addition, the temple is decorated with a magnificent pulpit, carved from cedar, and four gold baroque altar - the work of local artisans around the middle of XVII century.

An important part of the monastery is the art museum, which is open to visitors. Here you can see the recently restored frescoes and a large part of the monastery gallery, the exhibition is devoted to the life of the nuns. You can also see a variety of works of art that illustrate the life and miracles of Saint Rose of Lima, St. Dominic de Guzman, a collection of nine robes, richly embroidered with gold thread and precious stones. Presented in the museum exhibits belong to different periods of the XVI to the XX century. The exposition of the museum was renovated in 2008-2009.

In the monastery of St. Catherine now live thirteen nuns. These cells are located in the building behind the church. Since colonial times, the monastery of St. Catherine nuns were known for their skilful work, embroidered liturgical vestments, fine linens with images of saints, delicious cakes.