Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Important buildings flank the remaining three sides of the Sacred Plaza. The Temple of
the Three Windows features huge trapezoidal windows that give the building its name.
PRINCIPAL TEMPLE
The 'temple' derives its name from the massive solidity and perfection of its construction.
The damage to the rear right corner is the result of the ground settling below this corner
rather than any inherent weakness in the masonry itself.
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HOUSE OF THE HIGH PRIEST
Opposite the Principal Temple.
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SACRISTY
Behind and connected to the Principal Temple lies this famous small building. It has many
well-carved niches, perhaps used for the storage of ceremonial objects, as well as a carved
stone bench. The Sacristy is especially known for the two rocks flanking its entrance; each
is said to contain 32 angles, but it's easy to come up with a different number whenever
you count them.
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INTIHUATANA
This Quechua word loosely translates as the 'Hitching Post of the Sun' and refers to the
carved rock pillar, often mistakenly called a sundial, which stands at the top of the Inti-
huatana hill. The Inca astronomers were able to predict the solstices using the angles of
this pillar. Thus, they were able to claim control over the return of the lengthening sum-
mer days. Exactly how the pillar was used for these astronomical purposes remains un-
clear, but its elegant simplicity and high craftwork make it a highlight.
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CENTRAL PLAZA
At the back of the Intihuatana another staircase descends to the Central Plaza. This separ-
ates the ceremonial sector of Machu Picchu from the more mundane (and less well-con-
structed) residential and industrial sectors.
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PRISON GROUP
At the lower end of this latter area is the Prison Group, a labyrinthine complex of cells,
niches and passageways, positioned both under and above the ground.
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TEMPLE OF THE CONDOR
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