The Inca South Gate, The Church of San Pedro and the ruins of Piquillacta

We visited three places on August 13th. The first was the south gate of Cuzco. In Inca times all persons entering would have to pass this inspection point. The second place was one of the oldest Catholic churches in the region, built in the 16th century. The third place we visited, Piquillacta, is a town that predates the Incas by 2,000 years. The archeolgical investigations here are ongoing. It is clear that some of the architecture from this culture were incorporated into inca designs.

The South gate of Cusco The South gate of Cusco	The South gate had two entrances, this one was for animals The South gate had two entrances, this one was for animals	This gate was for people This gate was for people
One side of the gate was made of very finely carved blocks One side of the gate was made of very finely carved blocks	The gate as Incas would have seen 500 years ago The gate as Incas would have seen 500 years ago	Carole approches the gate on the Inca trail Carole approches the gate on the Inca trail
The church at Andahuaylillas, San Pedro the Apostle The church at Andahuaylillas, San Pedro the Apostle	The church is made of adobe and cedar wood. It is currently undergoing restoration The church is made of adobe and cedar wood. It is currently undergoing restoration	This local tree is thought to be 500 years old This local tree is thought to be 500 years old
It produces colorful blossoms. Unfortunately Spanish moss is killing the tree It produces colorful blossoms. Unfortunately Spanish moss is killing the tree	The entrance to Piquillacta The entrance to Piquillacta	This site dates from 500 BC This site dates from 500 BC
The complex is surrounded by a wall and contains over 3,000 buildings The complex is surrounded by a wall and contains over 3,000 buildings	One of the main streets in the town One of the main streets in the town	In Inca times this street became part of the Inca trail leading to Cusco In Inca times this street became part of the Inca trail leading to Cusco
A narrow entrance to one of the streets A narrow entrance to one of the streets	Some buildings here were three stories tall Some buildings here were three stories tall	This civilization also build aquaducts for farming This civilization also build aquaducts for farming
Carole walks another part of the Inca trail Carole walks another part of the Inca trail	The straight walls and homes with courtyards is also similar to Inca building The straight walls and homes with courtyards is also similar to Inca building	The obligatory couple at the ruins picture The obligatory couple at the ruins picture