Brilliantly engineered and beautifully constructed, the buildings of Machu Picchu citadel are characteristic of classic Inca architecture. Polished stones, shaped by some of the best stonemasons the world has ever known, fit together with astonishing precision. Trapezoidal doors and windows slant slightly inward, often framing breathtaking vistas, and aligning with spiritually significant landmarks. Sloping walls are remarkably resistant to the region’s seismic movements.
The citadel of Machu Picchu is divided into three distinct archeological zones. The iconic most iconic structures Intiwana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of three windows are found in the Sacred District. The second zone, a sector set aside for nobility, includes rows of houses built on a slope. Finally, The Popular District in the Southern part of the city, served as living quarters for most of the population.
The citadel is connected by a labyrinthine network of stairways, platforms and conduits; in some places as many as ten steps have been shaped from a single slab of stone. Fountains, sculpted in rock, are interconnected by channels drilled thorough stone. Surrounding terraced hillsides create space for agricultural cultivation, as well as a defense against invaders.
Contemporary archeological discoveries continue to reveal new layers in the mystery of this enigmatic citadel, making Machu Picchu an endlessly fascinating international destination.
