The patrimony is the legacy that we receive from the past, what we live presently and what we transmit to the future generations. Our cultural patrimony is an unchangeable source of life and inspiration, it is our identity. It makes that the concept of World Patrimony, exceptional; it is its universal application. The places of the World Patrimony belong to all the towns of the world, independently of the territory where they are.

The cities selected for their inclusion in the List of the World Patrimony, are approved based on their qualities like better examples possible of the cultural patrimony. As of November of the year 2000 Arequipa forms part of this select group of cities, and the criteria that the UNESCO has considered for this inclusion, in its own words, are the following ones:

"The historical center of Arequipa is an example of ornamented architecture, represents a masterpiece of the creative coalition of European and native characteristics. A colonial town challenged by the conditions of nature, the indigenous influences, the conquest process and evangelism as well as for a spectacular natural scenario."