This pictures is from the 1930's and shows how the monastery was built on top of the ancient temple foundation. An earthquake destroyed the monastery but didn't damage the ancient stones, so the monastery was rebuilt around them rather than on top.
Court yard of monastery.
The ancient stone foundation from the 1400's.
A carved stone representing the Southern Cross star constellation.
It is amazing how they carved these stones with no metal tools.
A water flow stone. Look at the perfectly round hole carved in the stone.
This is a replica of what the gold coverings that were on the walls of the temple would have looked like. The Spanish removed all the gold and melted it down. Very few pieces survived.
The monastery had some beautiful flowers in the garden.
We went to the Saqsaywaman site. It was initially believed to have been a fortress but is know to have been another temple on top of a hill overlooking the city.
The size of the stones that were moved here is phenomenal.
The stones were carved to fit together like puzzle pieces.
A doorway to the upper levels which were destroyed by the Spanish.
Looking down at the city from the top.
This shows the town square where you can see the festival is still going on.
Standing on the hill next to the temple is a statue of Jesus Christ called the Cristo Blanco (White Christ). It stands 26 feet tall and was a gift from some Arabic Palestinians that were given safe refuge in Cusco during WW II. It is a smaller replica of the statue in Rio.
Friday - June 24
Today was a slow/rest day as we prepare to leave Peru and fly to Ecuador. After my morning participation in the Inti Raymi celebration, we went to see a man that makes musical instruments based on ancient Inca designs. There were some double chambered ones that have water in them. When you tilt them so the water flows from one chamber to the other it makes a beautiful whistling sound.
He also had flutes made of several different types of material and shapes.
We walked to the main square and there were still a lot of people mingling around. Street vendors had their wares spread out.
We went to a chocolate museum where we learned about the rich coca bean and delicious chocolates made here in Peru.
We tasted different types of chocolate and they had they chocolate liqueurs. He asked for a volunteer to try them and of course you know who stepped up.
I didn't know of the way it was going to be delivered!
There was a nice little park across from our hotel.
Well, that wraps up Peru. It has been a wonderful experience. Now onward to Ecuador for more new discoveries.
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