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Hotel Monasterio
High in the Andes, at 3000 metres above sea level, lies the historic city of Cuzco, famed for its unique blend of Spanish and Inca cultures.
Photo copyright Oriental Express Hotels Ltd..
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Hotel Monasterio - Cusco
Video copyright Oriental Express Hotels Ltd..
High in the Andes, at 3000 metres above sea level, lies the historic city of Cuzco, famed for its unique blend of Spanish and Inca cultures.
Right beside the lively Cuzco central square is Hotel Monasterio, a former monastery and national monument dating from 1592. This delightful Orient-Express hotel combines its centuries-old charm and ambience with luxury hotel service, inspired restaurants and boutique rooms and suites.
The ideal hotel from which to discover the delights of Cuzco, its doors open to a vibrant scene of old and modern architecture, markets, galleries and restaurants serving 'new Andean' cuisine.
Overview
Hotel Monasterio has 126 rooms many of them with charming views of the city, the colourful rooftops of Cuzco or the beautiful inner courtyards of the hotel.
The decoration and furnishings combine the best of modern and traditional Spanish colonial style. Magnificent examples of religious art adorn the walls. The presence of the past is ever present, even as you are pampered by every luxury and modern comfort.
Having received the SQF2000 certification for their high standards of food preparation, the restaurants at Hotel Monasterio are renowned in Cuzco. Between the intimacy of the Illariy and its internationally inspired Peruvian cuisine, the gourmet breakfast of the El Tupay and the relaxed atmosphere of the bar, dining with us will be an unforgettable pleasure.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the renovation of the Hotel Monasterio was the oxygen-enrichment of a number of our rooms.
Cusco is situated at a height of 3,400 meters (11 000ft). With the rapid ascent by plane from Lima to Cuzco there is no time for acclimatization and consequently guests are at risk of altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness itself is extremely common at this altitude, and affects at least 50% of guests. One of the most draining aspects of altititude sickness is poor sleep. If the oxygenation can be improved at night during sleep, then oxygenation of the body during the day is also improved.
Cuzco
Cuzco was more than just a capital city, it was an administrative, military and holy city, similar to Mecca, and is now the oldest inhabited city of the Americas. As a result, many splendid styles of architecture are found here, reflecting the diversity of cultural influences on the city.
In Cuzco's main square there is an array of beautiful, colourful stalls framed by the curious and often charming stone walk ways and streets. Delve a little deeper and you will find beautiful little arcades with craft boutiques selling wares created by local craftsmen.
Due to its position as the capital of the Inca dynasty, contemporary Cuzco - a city 3,300 metres (10,500 feet) above sea level - is a showcase of several different cultures: pre-Inca, Inca, Colonial and Republican.
The surrounding countryside is also stunning, with much of it sculpted by agricultural terraces and once watered by complex irrigation systems.
Historic Hotel
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.
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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