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Located 2km from
the city. Together with the city of Cusco, this
monumental complex is considered the first of the
new seven wonders of the world. This huge
construction was planned and built by Andean Man.
The Incas called it the House of the Sun and the
Spaniards called it a fortress because of its zig-zag
shape and the 1536 revolution. The construction,
which is made up of three platforms one on top of
the other, was one of the most important religious
complexes of its time.
The mixed-blood
historian Garcilaso Vega described in his book "The
Royal Commentaries" every detail of this sacred
spot, its walls, rooms, towers, doors and canals,
which have sparked great interest and admiration
from visitors and residents alike. The enormous
boulders that form part of the construction were put
together perfectly without using mortar. The
heaviest weighs up to 125 tons. Archaeologists are
currently excavating and have discovered water
fountains, canals and rooms. In a nearby flat area,
every June 24 local inhabitants hold the Festival of
the Sun, or Ind Raymi. Saqsaywaman witnessed
important historic events. |