Overview:

The Cusco Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Cusco, Peru. It is located in the center of the city and is recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere. The Historic Center offers a glimpse into the past, with traces of Inca and Spanish occupancy. The area features various attractions including cultural sites, colonial structures, and stunning landscapes. The city is also known for its rich traditional and religious practices, and its unique blend of Inca and Spanish architecture. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

1. Plaza de Armas: This central plaza has been at the heart of city since the Inca Empire. The plaza is surrounded by brightly colored colonial buildings, featuring intricate wrought iron balconies. 2. Cathedral of Cusco: Situated in the plaza is the stunning baroque Cathedral of Cusco. Built in the 16th century, it’s the largest and most important church in Cusco, featuring a mix of Inca and colonial architectural elements. 3. Korikancha: The iconic Korikancha was once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Today, it’s an intimate museum showcasing ancient artifacts and art from the Inca culture. 4. Sacsayhuaman: This incredible fortress, located high up on one of the hills surrounding Cusco, is a must-see. Its impressive terraced structures are an impressive example of the Inca’s architectural genius. 5. The 12-Angled Stone: Located at the very center of the city is the 12-angled stone, a unique architectural wonder of the Incas. It’s believed this stone marks the spiritual center of the Inca Empire. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The city of Cusco in Peru was founded by the Incas in the early 13th century and is known as the historical capital of the Inca Empire. The city was built on the foundations of an earlier city, the capital of the Killke culture, and the city's original name was Qosqo, meaning navel, as it was said to be the centerpiece of the world. During the Incan period, Cusco served as the capital of the Incan Empire and was a major political, religious, and artistic center. The city also served as a major center of trade and was connected to the rest of the Incan Empire by a road network. In 1533, Cusco was conquered by the Spanish and was quickly integrated into Spanish colonial power. The Spanish refashioned the city's layout to reflect their own culture and imposed the Catholic religion on the people. They also destroyed a number of Incan monuments and replaced them with churches and Spanish-style buildings. Many of the surviving Incan monuments were assimilation into Spanish structures, such as the highly ornate baroque-style Cathedral of Santo Domingo and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. In 1983, Cusco Historic Center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique blend of Incan, Spanish, and Colonial architecture. The city remains highly popular with travelers and is host to many festivals throughout the year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Cusco is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America. It was founded in the 13th century by the Inca Empire. 2. The official name of Cusco is Qosqo in the Quechua language, which means bellybutton of the world. It was believed to be the center of the Incan Empire. 3. Cusco’s central square, Plaza de Armas, is home to some of the oldest churches and cathedrals in the Americas. 4. The Inca Trail is a well-known ancient trail running from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. It is considered to be one of the most popular and important places to hike in Peru. 5. Cusco boasts some of the world’s most impressive Incan ruins. The most famous are Sacsayhuaman, a fortress built on three large hills; and the Qorikancha, an Incan temple built to honor the Sun God. 6. The Sacara people have inhabited the Cusco area since before the 15th century. They are believed to have a strong connection to pre-Inca cultures, and are connected to the region through the Inti Raymi festival. 7. Cusco is home to many languages, including Aymara, Quechua, and Spanish. 8. Cusco is one of the few cities in the world that combines pre-Columbian and colonial architecture. 9. Cusco’s famous Plaza de Armas hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. 10. Cusco is known as the culinary capital of Peru due to its variety of traditional foods and drinks, such as ceviche and chicha. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era