Overview:

The Citadel of Chanquillo is an ancient archaeological site located in the valley of Jequetepeque in northern Peru. It is believed to have been constructed by the Moche Culture around the year 400 AD, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as "Chan Chan Archaeological Zone." The site is composed of four circular structures, possible built for defense or military purposes. The structures are surrounded by an earthen wall, which features a network of intricate geometric carvings and sculptures. These structures preserve evidence of the unique culture of the ancient Moche people, providing a unique insight into their lifestyle and beliefs. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

1. Ancient Pre-Inca Site: The Citadel of Chanquillo is an ancient pre-Inca site located in the province of Cusco in Peru. This monumental core complex dates back to the 3rd century BCE. 2. Unique Shape: The Citadel of Chanquillo was built in the form of a trapezoid-shaped enclosure. The site has two separate circular structures with many other enclosures inside the central complex, making it one of the largest and most complex archaeological sites in Peru. 3. Towers and Platforms: Archaeologists have identified over 20 stone tower-like structures with stepped platforms at the Citadel of Chanquillo. The towers were likely used as watchtowers or as places to store food and other supplies. 4. Monumental Architecture: The Citadel of Chanquillo features a unique combination of architectural styles. Its walls are made of cut stones placed on a layer of clay, and it is decorated with several anthropomorphic figures and zigzag designs. 5. Mystical Origins: The origins of the Citadel of Chanquillo still remain a mystery today. It is believed to have been built by an advanced civilization with unique knowledge and skills. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The Citadel of Chanquillo is located in Northern Peru in the mountainous region of the Pacific Coast. The site sits 8 km away from the modern day town of San Pablo in the district of Quaramarca. Chanquillo is one of the most important archaeoastronomical monuments in Peru and is believed to be have constructed by the ancient Moche people in the 4th century A.D. The site consists of three main sectors, one of which is composed of approximately 20 rectangular enclosures, some of which are around 14 meters in size. It is believed that these enclosures were used for ceremonial and ritual purposes. The other two sectors are believed to contain structures related to astronomy. These areas contain more than 400 towers or truncated pyramids which are believed to have been used to observe the sun, moon and stars in order to record seasonal changes. The site is unique in that the towers are arranged in four regular groups of regular intervals of 53, 54 and 55 degrees. This precision of the site is in alignment with the movements of the sun and moon and it is believed that its purpose was to determine solar and lunar festivals and ritual times. It is believed that the Citadel of Chanquillo had a social and symbolic importance to the Moche people. It is thought that the site was used to legitimize the ruling powers within the Moche society and to control the religious and political power of the region. Although little is known about how the site was used, it is believed that it had a significant influence on the socio-political, religious and astronomical development of the Moche culture. The site was abandoned by the Moche people around the 8th century A.D and went on to be occupied by other cultures, including the Chimu people. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Citadel of Chanquillo is located in the southern casacades of the Andes Mountains in Peru, near the modern-day city of Cuzco. 2. It was built between 500 and 300 BC by the Wari culture, which was one of the most powerful ancestors of the Inca Empire. 3. The citadel is thought to have been used as an astronomical observatory due to the alignment of stones which represent celestial constellations. 4. There are seven terraces which make up the citadel, three of which are solar observatories. 5. It has been speculated that the remains of a temple dedicated to the ancient god of thunder, called ‘Illapa’, can be found at the site. 6. The citadel is composed of several ‘kallankas’, which are carefully scattered boulders forming shapes of animals and geometric figures. 7. The foundations of the citadel are made from stones that are believed to represent Quechua fertility symbols and sun-dragons. 8. In 2017, the citadel was declared a national heritage site by the DECRETO SUPREMO Nº 025-2017-MC. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era