18:00 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jul. 11.
Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park —an important legacy of the Incas— commemorates the 36th anniversary of its declaration as Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
The park was granted such status on July 11, 1982, according to an act that states its 2,997 ha area has the condition of intangible, inalienable, and imprescriptible, given its huge historical, cultural value in terms of heritage.
According to ethnohistorical sources, the construction of Sacsayhuaman was initiated by the ninth Inca Pachacutec, who consecrated it as the "House of the Sun."
Such works continued under the leadership of his descendants: Tupac Inca Yupanqui, Huayna Capac, and Huascar.
During the Inca empire, Sacsayhuaman was located —in accordance with the Cusco Valley ceque system— in Hanan Cusco, within the Chinchaysuyo and Antisuyo quadrants.
In the colonial era, Sacsayhuaman was situated within ancient areas of San Blas, San Cristobal, and San Sebastian, due to the numerous archaeological sites found there.
Its first description by Spanish historian Sancho de la Hoz in 1534, the first archaeological research by George Squier between 1863 and 1865, and archaeological studies conducted in the last years show Sacsayhuaman is an architectural marvel that can be compared to other iconic monuments in history.
The place was a ceremonial center built for administrative and water management purposes, which played a key role in the Tahuantinsuyo empire's consolidation.
Its main archaeological monuments, including bastions, Muyuqmarka, Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, among others, constitute a great attraction for thousands of visitors who explore the park every day.
(END) PHS/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 7/11/2018