Category: Cusco

Main Square of Cusco Historical, cultural, military, faith, customs and traditions center. The Plaza de Armas of Cusco is the most important space in the city, located in the center of the city has in its enclosure the Basilica of the Cathedral, the Church of the Society of Jesus, the chapels of Loreto, San Ignacio de Loyola, Del Triunfo and the Holy Family. Having in the center an American style ornamental basin with the crowning of an Inca, vestige of the culture that dominates all South America. It began as part of a lake, called Morkill, which later became the center of Inca activity when it was drained. According to some traditions, this square was completely covered with sand brought from the Peruvian coast, being crossed by a river, the Saphy (root) river in Quechua. This square encompassed what is now Regocijo Square, La Merced Square and the Plaza de Armas of Cusco today, the testimony of this is the famous "Cuadro de Monroy" located in the Cathedral of Cusco, which testifies to the real dimension of the square. The original name of the square is still controversial among several authors who call it Auqaypata, Wakaypata, Cusipata. This square witnessed the most transcendental events in the history of Cusco, such as: The first Corpus Christi procession (which continues to this day). The first procession of the image of the Señor de los Temblores (Patron Jurado and the most venerated image of the city). Torture and death of Tupac Amaru I and II (heroes of the American Independence) It hosted many families during congresses, political rallies and protocol visits. History of the Main Square of Cusco Legend has it that Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo arrived here after traveling many kilometers looking for the right place to create the Inca Empire.