Machu+PIcchu

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca City set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba river valley. Built in the 15th century it was later abandoned, it is renowned for it’s mature dry-stone walls that bind huge blocks without mortar, fascinating buildings that play on astronomical alignments and panoramic views. The actual use is still unknown.

Machu Picchu is about 2430 meters (7970 feet) above sea level. It’s located on mountain Machu Picchu, Peru. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti (1438-1472). Machu Picchu is often referred to as the “lost city of the Incas”. Machu Picchu is the most recognized icon of the Inca civilization. The Incas built the estate around 1450 and abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish conquest. Although Machu Picchu was known locally, it was not known to the the Spanish during the Colonial period and remained unknown to the outside world until Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911.

Machu Picchu was built in a classical style, with polished dry-stone walls. It’s three main structures are the Temple of the Sun, The room of the Three Windows and Intiwatana (the hitching post of the sun). Most of the outlying buildings have been rebuilt to give visitors a better look at how they originally appeared. By 1976, 30% of Machu PIcchu was restored. Machu Picchu was named a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage site in 1983.