Written by:
peru.travel
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
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Visiting the fortress of Sacsayhuamán (Quechua word meaning satisfied falcon), one of the most important archaeological complexes of the Inca Empire, is admiring the precision of the engineering used and delving into the history of what was once the greatest civilization in America pre-Columbian. And contemplating its harmonious carved stone structures make its construction process something difficult for visitors to imagine and explain.
This complex, which occupies an area of 3,000 hectares, would have required the work of 25,000 men -among architects, astronomers, engineers, stonecutters and stone transporters-. According to archaeological studies, it is estimated that its construction took more than 90 years from 1350 A. C., ordered by the Inca Pachacútec, and would have been completed in the 16th century by his successor, Túpac Inca Yupanqui.
Fortress or ceremonial temple?
According to the chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega, this ceremonial fortress "was the greatest architectural work that the Incas would accomplish during its heyday”. Although its usefulness has not been fully clarified, it is believed that it was intended for military purposes: the Inca warriors would be trained here. However, when contemplating its architecture, it appears to be a great ceremonial temple dedicated to the god Inti (Sun) and perhaps this is the right function.
The construction of Sacsayhuamán took about 90 years and 25,000 men participated in it.
Credit: César Vallejos / PromPerú.
The main characteristic of this cyclopean construction is its large blocks of stones, some over 9 meters high and weighing 100 tons. They are carved in such a way that they fit perfectly not only those that are located at its base, but also those that are superimposed on each other without using any type of cement. Inside, there were found big warehouses for food and weapons, as well as irrigation canals, ceremonial temples and dozens of complexes.
Cult of the God Inti
In the back area of the complex the Inti Raymi ceremony, also known as the 'Fiesta del Sol', is held every June 24. In Inca times, tens of thousands of people made pilgrimages there to make all kinds of offerings, a tradition that continues to this day. The locals, dressed in colorful costumes, perform typical dances in a staging that has become a majestic tourist attraction.
Every year, it welcomes thousands of visitors who come to witness the Inti Raymi.
Credit: Heinz Plenge Pardo / PromPerú.
How to get there?
There are four ways to get there from the center of Cusco: on foot -the journey takes approximately 30 minutes from the Plaza de Armas-, by taxi service -it costs about 15 soles-, by bus or with a tour service.
Without a doubt, witnessing the fortress of Sacsayhuamán not only makes its visitors know a little more about the Inca Empire, but they also end up dazzled by the great skill of the engineers of the pre-Hispanic era.
Sources: La República / Andina / Aboutespañol
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