Overview:

Intihuatana is an ancient stone monolithic monument located in the Incan Ruins of Pisac in Peru. It stands atop a hill in the center of the archaeological complex and consists of a large perpendicular stone with several other smaller perpendicular stones arranged around it. Intihuatana is an Andean word meaning "hitching post of the Sun" and it is believed to have been used as an astronomical marker by the Incas. It is thought that the stone markers were arranged in a way to track the position of the sun and other celestial bodies during key agricultural and ritual times of the year. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

The Intihuatana stone of Pisac is an Incan ceremony altar and solar clock located in the ruins of an ancient Incan complex in the Sacred Valley region of Peru. The Intihuatana stone is a large carved stone pillar standing several meters tall and features a precise carving of a staircase leading to the top. The surface of the pillar is rounded and decorated with various religious figures, such as snakes and pumas, that each have a unique meaning. At the top of the Intihuatana stone is a large semicircular notch in which the rays of the sun would align during the equinox, thus serving as a type of astronomical calendar. The importance of the Intihuatana stone to the Inca culture is self-evident in the craftsmanship and artistry used to create the imposing structure, as well as its unique location along a major Incan road. Its astronomical purpose remains a mystery to this day, but the Intihuatana stone of Pisac still stands in honor of the Inca culture that created it. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The Intihuatana stone is an ancient ritual stone found at the Inca site of Pisac in central Peru. It was believed to be used as an astronomical clock by the Incas and was used in religious rituals. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country and is thought to have astronomical properties and is linked to Inca knowledge of the stars and of the sun. The stone is around 5 feet in height and is finished with Incan-style artwork and has a carved face on the top. The lower part of the stone is intricately carved with a cross, combined with the four constellations of the Inca Empire. Historians believe that the Intihuatana Stone was used to calculate the winter solstice and the summer solstice, allowing for precise calculations of the equinoxes and other astronomical events. It also would have been used to adjust the Incan calendar, which relied heavily on their knowledge of the stars. The Intihuatana Stone in Pisac is one of the most important surviving monuments of the Inca Empire and one of the most visited attractions in Peru. It has become a symbol of the culture and history of the Inca people and has inspired the celebration of equinoxes in modern times. In 1989 the Intihuatana Stone was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Intihuatana Stones were constructed by the Incas and used to mark the winter solstice and the equinoxes in what is now Peru. 2. The stones were carved from single blocks of granite, often embedded in walls and other Inca structures. 3. Each of the three Intihuatana Stones in Pisac are placed strategically at three different points around mountains and other natural features, allowing shamans to observe the stars and other heavenly bodies. 4. It was believed that the Intihuatana Stones held important spiritual power and could help appease the gods through prayer and careful observation. 5. Intihuatana Stones were considered to be the “hitching post of the sun,” as they linked the mountains and other natural features to the heavens. 6. The Intihuatana Stones are located along the Inca Trail, which has been traversed by millions of tourists over the centuries, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. 7. In addition to being used for spiritual purposes, the stones were also used for surveying and mapping distances in the Inca Empire. 8. Intihuatana Stones are still used in some parts of the region today in spiritual ceremonies and as a place of gathering and discussion. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era