Machu Picchu Landmarks

Landmarks In Machu Picchu

By: Kori Hall

Temple of the Sun

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During the Inca civilization, the Temple of the Sun was built to perform rituals and ceremonies by priests and other civilians. In the temple's tower, those who were apart of the Inti cult, (Inti, being the god of the sun) were in charge of preserving and worshiping mummies, which was an important aspect to the cult. Aside from sacrifices and rituals, the temple was also used to tell the time of harvest and to observe the movements of the sun. 

Temple of the Sun

The Temple of the Three Windows

The Temple of the Three Windows is a sacred foundation to the city of Machu Picchu. The purpose of the landmark was to protect the Inca civilization from Spanish Conquerors during the 1500s. However, the temple was not only built for protection; it also provided a spiritual comfort for the civilians of Machu Picchu. The temple is also located in the lower sector of the city. Although it is unknown as to who founded the landmark, the area has been founded by various owners and was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham.

Temple of the Three Windows

Intihuatana

Similar to the other temples, the Intihuatana is a religious site and was also used to tell the time of the winter solstice. The stones were said to have been built by mediators of the Shaman practice and was also used for celestial observations. According to the legends, the Intihuatana was claimed to have supernatural abilities such as opening a person's vision or recreating balance. Although it was unknown as to when the structure was built, the Intihuatana was rediscovered in 1911. 

Tourists at Intihuatana