Nestled high in the Andes, the historic city of Cusco stands as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Inca civilization. Among the city’s most captivating features are the Inca walls that line its streets, showcasing the remarkable stonemasonry skills of the Inca people. These imposing structures serve as a gateway into the fascinating history and engineering prowess of the Inca empire.
The Walls of Amarucancha and the Acllahuasi
If you venture southeast from the Plaza de Armas, you’ll be met with the sight of Inca walls lining both sides of the narrow alley of Loreto. On the right-hand side, you’ll encounter the walls of Amarucancha, or the “Courtyard of the Serpents.” This site was once the palace of the 11th Inca, Huayna Capac, and the church of La CompañÃa was later built here after the Spanish conquest.
Across the alley, you’ll find the oldest and most spectacular Inca wall in Cusco – the walls of the Acllahuasi, or the “House of the Chosen Women.” After the conquest, this building became part of the convent of Santa Catalina, transitioning from housing the Virgins of the Sun to pious Catholic nuns.
The Mastery of Inca Stonework
The Incas’ ability to construct these impressive walls without the use of cement is a testament to their exceptional stonemasonry skills. The adjoining surfaces between the blocks fit together so perfectly and exquisitely that they did not require any mortar. The stones were carefully interlocked, creating a sturdy and stable structure that could withstand the region’s frequent earthquakes.
Inca stonemasons would meticulously shape each block to fit seamlessly alongside the others, ensuring a tight and secure fit. This level of precision and attention to detail is evident in the intricate patterns and patterns observed on the walls, where the center stone has been expertly shaped to interlock with a total of 11 surrounding stones.
Anti-Earthquake Innovation
The Incas’ mastery of stonemasonry wasn’t just for aesthetics – it was a practical solution to the region’s seismic activity. The Inca walls were designed to absorb the impact of earthquakes, a feature that the Spanish conquistadors sorely lacked in their own buildings, which were often destroyed by tremors.
By interlocking the stones and carefully shaping them, the Incas created walls that could sway and flex with the earth’s movements, rather than crumbling under the pressure. This innovative approach to construction has enabled many of these Inca walls to withstand the test of time, standing as a testament to the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization.
Exploring the Inca Legacy
The captivating Inca walls of Cusco have been the subject of extensive study and fascination. In his book “Monuments of the Incas,” author John Hemming delves into the intricate process of shaping and assembling the often-gigantic stone blocks that make up these architectural wonders. Hemming’s research, coupled with the stunning photography of Edward Ranney, offers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Inca’s remarkable achievements in stone masonry.
As you wander the streets of Cusco, the Inca walls that line the city serve as a powerful reminder of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Inca people. These imposing structures stand as monuments to a lost civilization, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the engineering marvels that continue to captivate and inspire. By understanding the exceptional skills and techniques that went into their construction, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Inca empire and its lasting impact on the architectural landscape of Cusco.
