Machu Picchu Architecture - Discover An Ancient Marvel

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, South America, the lost city of Inca, Machu Picchu is a captivating tourist attraction and archaeological site. The majestic city remained undiscovered by the Spanish during their conquest and is still remarkably intact, Machu Picchu's mystique design is as awe-inspiring as its untamed terrain.

In this blog, we will discover the fascinating buildings and incredible engineering of Machu Picchu, from its ingenious construction techniques to its rich heritage. Let’s unravel the secrets of the Machu Picchu architecture.

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Who Built the Machu Picchu?

The citadel of Machu Picchu was built by the enigmatic Incan tribe, believed to be between 1438 and 1470 AD. This mysterious civilization was rediscovered and brought to the limelight in 1911 by a Yale archaeologist, Hiram Bingham. 

Why Was Machu Picchu Built? 

Perched high on the mountain range about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, this hidden sanctuary served as a retreat of the Incan chief and his elites or a sacred ceremonial site for the civilization. The site was divided into palaces, baths, temples, storage buildings, houses, and other important structures that were designed with expert stone masonry. 

Also Read: Construction of the Great Wall of China

Machu Picchu Buildings

The Incas employed an innovative technique in the construction of Machu Picchu, known as Ashlar Masonry. It involves the use of precisely cut stones that are embedded together without the application of mortar to create durable structures that can withstand earthquakes and other harsh weather conditions. The celebrated technique was a testament to their engineering prowess and profound environmental challenges. 

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Residential Buildings

Machu Picchu is home to several houses constructed for priests, nobles, and the local inhabitants. These houses feature a rectangular layout with an organised design, and carefully sculpted stonework, including distinctive trapezoidal doorways, little niches to place holy objects and balconies. The exteriors of the houses were fabricated from ground stones and sand in harmony with the natural topography. 

Also Read: Khajuraho Temple Architecture

Terraces 

One of the striking features of Machu Picchu’s construction is its extensive system of mountainside terraces, carved out of steep slopes. These terraces served practical and aesthetic purposes, creating flat land for farming and cultivation while contributing to their agricultural produce. 

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Temple of The Sun

The most significant and breathtaking structure in Machu Picchu architecture is the grand Temple of the Sun devoted to the Inca sun god, Inti. The semi-circular building boasts exquisite stonework and aligns with the solstices so that the sun’s rays filter and create a shadow through windows adding warmth and brightness inside the structure. The centre of the temple holds an intricately carved stone altar offering insights into its spiritual and astronomical functions. 

In a Nutshell 

Machu Picchu’s architecture exemplifies meticulous urban planning, space organisation, and development while dividing the city into distinct zones, agricultural, residential, and religious precincts. Moreover, they developed an elaborate system of water channels, canals, and fountains while offering the inhabitants a reliable water source system. 

Each building and artefact is a reminder of the incredible feat of engineering, precisely crafted architecture, thoughtful layout, strategic planning, and cultural heritage of the ancient Inca empire. When you stroll through this enduring and sacred site, it gives you a glimpse into the legendary past and timelessness of this ancient civilisation. 

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