Cusco, also spelled Cuzco, is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Andes mountain range. It's known for its archaeological remains from the Inca Empire, which thrived in the region from the 13th until the 16th century. Here are some key aspects of Cusco:
History
- Pre-Inca Period: Before the rise of the Inca Empire, Cusco was inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Killke Culture, known for their pottery and stone works.
- Inca Era: Cusco became the capital of the Inca Empire around 1200 AD. Manco Capac, the legendary first Inca, is said to have founded the city. The Incas considered it the center of the world, or Navel of the World, known as Qosqo in Quechua.
- Spanish Conquest: In 1533, Francisco Pizarro captured Cusco after defeating the Inca ruler Atahualpa. The city was then rebuilt with Spanish colonial architecture, including the construction of the Cathedral of Cusco on top of the Inca palace of Wiracocha.
- Colonial and Modern Era: Throughout the colonial period, Cusco remained an important administrative center, albeit with a diminished political status compared to Lima. In modern times, it has become a significant cultural, historical, and tourist destination.
Architecture
- Inca Architecture: The city features impressive examples of Inca stonework, where stones are cut so precisely they fit without mortar. Notable structures include Sacsayhuamán, an enormous fortress overlooking Cusco.
- Colonial Architecture: After the Spanish conquest, many Inca buildings were adapted for new uses. The Plaza de Armas is surrounded by colonial buildings, including the Church of La Compañía de Jesús.
Culture
- Language: While Spanish is the official language, Quechua, the language of the Inca, is still widely spoken.
- Festivals: Cusco hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, the most famous being Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, which celebrates the Inca new year.
Tourism
- Cusco serves as the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
- The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture.
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