The Basílica Catedral of Arequipa was constructed between 1540, the year the city was founded, and 1656, but it had to be restored after several earthquakes. The last major earthquake in 2001 destroyed the left tower. This cathedral is unusual because it occupies the entire length of the plaza. The cathedral, like most of the city of Arequipa, is built out of white volcanic rock called sillar which is why Arequipa is called the ciudad blanca. Arequipa is surrounded by three volcanoes. The Chachani volcano (elevation 6,095 m / 19,997 feet) can be seen behind the cathedral.