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Cusco
- Peru
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Cultural
Heritage of Humanity |
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Cusco, in Quechua Qosqo, "Navel
of the world , is undoubtedly one of the most interesting
centers in South America.
Unlike other places, the plurality and charm of the
Peruvian Culture can be better experienced in Cusco.
Visitors can marvel at the juxtaposition of the Inca
and Colonial architecture.
This Andean State, heart of the Inca Empire, center
of the legendary Tahuantinsuyo and realm of the four
cardinal points, was located at an altitude of 3430m
a.s.l. The first Inca Inka Manco Capac founded Qosqo
towards the end of the 12th century. The biggest palaces
were constructed while Inca Pachacutec was governing.
In this period, which lasted until 1471, the Inca Empire
reached its zenith.
When the Spanish led by Francisco Pizarro found Cusco
in 1533, a great part of the Inca palaces was destroyed.
On top of the foundations walls of the sanctuaries and
palaces of the disempowered Incas, Catholic churches
and magnificent baroque mansions were built. The pagan
rites and customs were forbidden. The missionaries moved
to the country side in order to spread the faith of
Jesus and to suffocate any kind of rebellion against
the dominance of the Spanish.
Led by Tupac Amaru II, the greatest rebellion against
the power holders took place in 1781. This rebellion
however was violently put down by the Spanish.
However, the Spanish and their viceroy were not prepared
for the unforeseeable nature forces. Many colonial buildings
were torn apart due to the severe earthquake in 1650
while the earthquake-proof foundations of the Incas
did withstand the natural disaster. The Inca walls have
been mute witnesses of a past epoch, almost a perfect
picture of the colonial legacy.
Thus the Spanish did not scucced in driving away the
spirit of the Incas from the Capital of the Tahuantinsuyo.
In 1985, UNESCO declared Cusco as „Cultural Heritage
of Humanity“.
Cusco today...
Through the uncreasing migration to the cities,
Cusco has experience a great growth and it has around
350.000 inhabitants. The most important economic activity
is undoubtedly tourism, and so are business, agriculture
and handicrafts.
This fantastic Andean city attracts tourists from all
over the world, adventurers, trekking fans, culture
lovers, as well as senior citizens, and mystics looking
forward the full of energy places and cosmic irradiance.
Such diversity is reflected in the night life. As the
first tourists go to Machu Picchu by train early in
the morning, they meet others -in the alleys around
the Plaza de Armas – who have stayed up dancing
all night in Up-Town, Ukukus, Mama Africa, Mama America,
Mythology, Isakaya, Garabatos and other poular discos
in town.
Many restaurants offer live music and dances every night.
Multi cultural cafes, pubs and pizza places with clay
ovens contribute to the fascinating atmosphere on this
city.
Did you know?
According to the Spanisch syntax, „Cuzco“
is written with „z“. The Cusquenian, however,
write Cusco with „s“, a small rebellion
against the Spanish legacy. During the 80’s ,
the well-respected mayor Daniel Estrada ordered that
the city be called Qosqo, the original Quechua word.
In spite of all his efforts, the name Qosqo did not
become widely accepted.
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