Piedra de los 12 Angulos, Seamless Inca stonework defies time
Calle Hatunrumiyoc, Cuzco
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Introduction
On the journey from Cusco's Weapons Square to San Blas, there is a famous narrow street called Hatunrumiyoc, which only allows pedestrians to pass through. Along both sides of the street are ancient Inca walls, made up of large stones cut and joined together perfectly. Even after earthquakes, these stones remain tightly connected, with barely enough room for a sheet of paper to fit in between. Inca stonemasonry was so advanced that even modern architects struggle to match it. Spanish colonizers were also impressed and preserved the original foundations of the Inca people. The most famous attraction on Hatunrumiyoc street is the Twelve-angled Inca Stone (Piedra de los 12 Angulos), which is the most photographed spot for tourists. This Inca stone has 12 edges and 12 corners, and is one of the stones with the most surviving corners. Additionally, there are buildings along the street resembling American jaguar walls, which show the wisdom and insight of their builders. To appreciate these magnificent buildings, we need to use our imagination and aesthetic sense. Address Calle Hatunrumiyoc, Cuzco
Transportation Walk from the Weapons Square through Triunfo street to San Blas, and then cross the intersecting street Palacio to reach your destination.
Inside the stone wall on the right is the imperial palace
