The emblematic Twelve-Angled Stone, located on Hatunrumiyoc Passage, just one block from
A security camera captured the exact moment of the attack on this cultural heritage site.
The incident occurred around 00:41 hours when a man took a heavy object from his belongings and began striking the stone, which is part of the Inca Roca Palace, now the Archbishop's Palace of Cusco.
Peruvian National Police (PNP) Commander Henry Valdez, head of the Tourism Police Station, informed Andina News Agency that the perpetrator appeared to be drunk or under the influence of drugs and may have used a hammer to damage the culturally and historically significant stone, which is a Cultural Heritage of the Nation and of Humanity.
The officer indicated that the suspect struck the emblematic stone in at least seven different spots.
To assess the details of the damage, forensic experts from the National Police, along with technicians and specialists from Cusco's Directorate of Culture, arrived at the scene to collect photographic records as part of the investigation into this recent attack on cultural heritage.
Jorge Moya, head of the Cusco Decentralized Directorate of Culture, also arrived at Hatunrumiyoc and confirmed to Andina News Agency that both an administrative and criminal complaint had been filed with the National Police and the Public Ministry.
"This is a heritage we all share, and we must defend it. Our specialists are evaluating the degree of damage," he stated.
According to Moya, this type of attack is punishable by up to six years in prison. He urged citizens, visitors, and the Cusco Municipality to help protect this delicate Inca relic.
He stated that the large, finely-carved stone, set within a massive wall without any mortar or cement, is emblematic for the people of Cusco.
Therefore, authorities will take "the necessary actions with specialized organizations" to restore it.
The Culture sector's official explained that the Inca wall containing the Twelve-Angled Stone forms part of the foundation of Cusco's Archbishop Palace. It is also part of the historical built heritage of the Inca Empire's ancient capital.
(END) PHS/MAO/JMP/MVB