Monesterio Hotel

The Monesterio hotel was originally built in 1595 on the site of the palace of Inca Amara Qhala. In 1598 it became a seminary to train Catholic priests. The building was gravely damaged by an earthquake in 1650. When it was rebuilt the chapel was added. It continued as a seminary until 1965 when it was converted into a hotel. It is a national landmark and is now managed by the Orient-Express Hotel Corporation.

One of three 17th century original paintings in our room One of three 17th century original paintings in our room	view of courtyard from the second floor near our room view of courtyard from the second floor near our room	One of many stairwells One of many stairwells	Another original 17th century painting There are hundreds in the hotel Another original 17th century painting There are hundreds in the hotel
A 300 year old cedar tree stands in the courtyard A 300 year old cedar tree stands in the courtyard	Another view of courtyard, restaurant is on lower level Another view of courtyard, restaurant is on lower level	Internal entrance to the chapel Internal entrance to the chapel	This door leads to street, but it is never opened now since the chapel is not in use This door leads to street, but it is never opened now since the chapel is not in use
The front altar was made from local cedar and covered with gold leaf The front altar was made from local cedar and covered with gold leaf	A side altar made of cedar wood covered in silver A side altar made of cedar wood covered in silver	The choir loft at the rear of the church. The sides of the chapel were covered with huge paintings The choir loft at the rear of the church. The sides of the chapel were covered with huge paintings	Another view of the courtyard Another view of the courtyard
This area is used now for the buffet breakfast. The service was outstanding. The food was wonderful This area is used now for the buffet breakfast. The service was outstanding. The food was wonderful	Another hall for use of guests at breakfast Another hall for use of guests at breakfast	A chef prepares omelets to order A chef prepares omelets to order	The front of the hotel does not prepare you for the splendor within The front of the hotel does not prepare you for the splendor within