City of Cuzco

The city of Cuzco dates back to the ancient Incan empire, which ruled over the Central Peruvian Andes in South America. The city was built and remodeled over a period of more than 3,000 years, culminating in a complex urban compound full of religious and administrative structures, surrounded by clearly delineated agricultural, artisanal and industrial centers. It served as the capital of the Tawantinsuyu Inca Empire until it was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century. Conquistadores erected churches, manor houses, temples and monasteries on top of the ruins, preserving the urban structure of the old city. It remains representative of the influence and power of the Inca civilization in the pre-Colonial era and serves as a symbol of the confluence of Incan and Hispanic cultures.

—Prepared by the World Tribune staff

May 19, 2023, World Tribune, p. 12