Cultural
Ville de Cuzco
Pérou
Located in the Peruvian Andes at high altitude, Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire and remains one of the most important archaeological sites in South America. The city represents a unique fusion of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture, with indigenous stonework foundations supporting later European-style buildings constructed after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. The urban layout reflects both Inca city planning principles and subsequent colonial reorganization, creating a distinctive palimpsest of two distinct civilizations. Key monuments include the Qorikancha temple, originally an important Inca sanctuary, and numerous stone-built structures that demonstrate the sophisticated engineering techniques of the Inca civilization. The historic center preserves this layered architectural heritage across its streets and plazas, documenting centuries of cultural transformation. This combination of exceptional archaeological significance, architectural integrity, and historical importance justifies its recognition as a cultural site of world heritage value.
