Verified13.2581° S · 72.2633° W · 2792 m
Ollantaytambo
Ullantaytampu · Ollantaytambo Fortress
Inca Imperial 15th century; continued as Neo-Inca stronghold 1537–1572·Inca·🇵🇪 Cusco Region, Peru
About
About Ollantaytambo
Inca royal estate and ceremonial center in Sacred Valley with unfinished Temple Hill featuring six massive pink rhyolite monoliths (Wall of Six Monoliths) and extensive terraces that doubled as defense during Manco Inca's 1537 victory over Spanish.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Transport of 50-tonne rhyolite blocks from Cachicata quarry 6 km across river valley
- 02Purpose of precisely carved Temple Hill - unfinished Sun Temple?
Theories
- 01Inca engineering using rollers, levers and manpower
- 02Symbolic gateway to Antisuyu frontier
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.1440–1480 as estate of Pachacuti; fortress modifications under Manco Inca
- Period
- Inca Imperial 15th century; continued as Neo-Inca stronghold 1537–1572
- Culture
- Inca
- Purpose
- Royal estate, religious center, agricultural control and later military stronghold
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.1440–1480 as estate of Pachacuti; fortress modifications under Manco Inca
Initial construction
c. 1699 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
13.2581° S · 72.2633° W · 2792 m · 3 mapped features
- 13.2572° S · 72.2641° W
Wall of the Six Monoliths
megalithic wall - 13.2575° S · 72.2639° W
Temple of the Sun (unfinished)
temple - 13.2595° S · 72.2630° W
Pinkuylluna Storehouses
storehouse
Gallery