The central plaza that separates the religious from the urban section, has a great rock in the center. The religious section contains splendid architecture an masonry work, one of the most important and enigmatic is probably the Intihuatana shrine, this block of granite was presumably used to make astronomical observations. Next to this structure is another three walled building, known as the Temple of the Three Windows, so called because of the trapezoidal openings on the east wall. Directly across is the Royal sector, with ample buildings typical of Inca royalty. Its base forms a cavern known as the Royal Tomb.
Recent studies show that the actual purpose was for astronomical observance.
Discovered only in 1911 by the American Yale professor Hiram Bingham. Excavations revealed that of the 135 skeletons found,109 were women. No signs of post Conquest occupation were unearthed. Huayna Picchu, young peak, is as much a part of the site as the buildings of the citadel, the towering granite peak overlooks Machu Picchu to the North with a steep well preserved original Inca path, well worth the one hour climb for an astounding view of the citadel and the entire valley. The Temple of the Moon, located halfway down in an underground chamber on the north side of the Huayna Picchu, is a fairly recent discovery.