Interesting facts about Cusco Is a great opportunity to learn more about the Inca empire. The city is located on the territory of modern Peru, representing great historical and scientific value for the whole world. Many attractions and museums are concentrated here, which contain unique exhibits related to the Incas.
So, here are the most interesting facts about Cusco.
- Cuzco was formed around the 13th century.
- Archaeologists suggest that the first settlements in this region appeared over 3 millennia ago.
- Translated from the Quechua language, the word "Cuzco" means - "The Navel of the Earth."
- The re-foundation of Cusco, after the occupation of the Spanish conquistadors, took place in 1534. Francisco Pizarro became its founder.
- Cuzco is the second most populous city in Peru (see interesting facts about Peru).
- Most of the modern temples were built on the site of destroyed Inca religious structures.
- During the Inca era, the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Cuzco.
- Did you know that due to the lack of fertile land, terraces are used in the vicinity of Cusco in order to increase the useful territory? Today, as before, they are built by hand.
- Many tourists visiting Cusco strive to get to Machu Picchu - the ancient city of the Incas.
- An interesting fact is that Cusco is located at an altitude of 3400 m above sea level. It is located in the Urubamba Valley in the Andes.
- Among the twin cities of Cusco is Moscow.
- Since Cusco is surrounded by mountains, it can get quite cold here. At the same time, the cold is caused not so much by low temperatures as by strong winds.
- About 2 million tourists come to Cusco annually.
- In 1933, Cusco was named the archaeological capital of the Americas.
- In 2007, the New7Wonders Foundation, through a worldwide survey, declared Machu Picchu as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
