Diario las Américas., 1958-05-14
Know thy
Neigh.bor
Bv ANTONIO RUIZ

i GllO ANOlltlllhSdJ S1NNS
number of the buildings in the
outskirts of Cuzco were scattered
over the plateau. Huge rocks were
converted into tombs and shrines.
Among the many attractions of
this district are fountains, gardens,
aqueducts, underground passages,
stone thrones, huge rock l%abyrinths
and the tombs of the great 4ncas.
Kenko, Titicaca, etc., form part OF
the huge group. In Sajsawaman,
during the archaeological works
undertaken in 1884, many struc-
lures which formed part of the
high city known as Kosko, were
discovered. Corridors running in
zig-zag fashion, as in trenches, fol
lowing a line Of defensive walls;
the foundations of towers, and
among them Muyijmarka, with ist
great interior ciStern from which
the water for all the fortress was
distributed by narrow canals;
starts, passages, rooms with clio
sets, were all brought to light,
thus increasing enormously the
archaeological value of Sajsawa-
man.
Much is to be discovered yet in
this zone, as well as in the sur
rounding countryside, where such
splendid groups as the amphitea-
ire of Kenko and several structures
of Pukara, Tampumachay and
Titikaka were found. To the work
must be added that which enor-
mously increased the area of the
monuments of Ollantaytambo, Pr
SAX, Pikillajta and Limatambo. As
a result of the archaeological
works of 1884, the Archaeological
Institute was founded. 1t is housed
in one of the most beautiful of
the residences of ancient Cuzco,
an it is the first Incaic Museum
scientifically organized.
A few miles north of Sajsawa-
man is the delightful resort of
Tambomachay, where Inca chieft-
/ aims used to go for relaxation and
pleasure. 1t has bathing and swim
ming pools, galleries and terraces,
and its setting forms a beautiful
landscape. Near this resort is the
miniature fortress of Pukara,
which is so small that it could be
taken for an architects model in
large scale. Facing the fortress Of
/ Sajsawaman, and towering over it,
| stands the so-called Inca's Throne.
This monument is shaped like a
double stairway, in the center of
which is a highly polished space
] resembling a seat.
At an early period of the Inca
Empire, Kollkampata was the
store-house (kollka) of the I'M
perioal City, from which the IncaS
drew their supplies of agricultural
products, and the army its equip
ment and victuals. Under the In
ca Pachacutec, with the recon-
~struction of the city this building
was set aside for the use of the
, kinsfolk of the first monarch, Man
co Capac. Since then the place
was known by that name, which
still retains. The front with its
eleven inches, still remains; and
in the interior, there is a stretch of
a later but beautiful architecture,
with a large closet, which has
been converted into a doorway,
and a large window, still a be
seen.
The section of Chokechaka, and
the adjoining one of Tocacachi,
now San Bias, consisted of beauti-
full orchards and gardens on terra
ces. Sheltered from the winds and
amply provided with water, they
became a favorite resort of the
nobility and the leading men of
the Empire. Traces o fthe original
plan, as well as some Of the gate
ways, and other valuable remains,
may be appreciated even now.
Cuzco has three streams or small
rivers. The Huatanay, which is the
principal one, flows through the
center of the city. These three
rivers were formerly canalized
throughout their whole length, as
many still be noticed in some
parts. They were crossed by some
notable stone bridges, Of which
that of Sapi Is the best example.
] Spanish Version Page 8