Machu Picchu - The Lost Wonder
Machu Picchu is 70 kilometres northwest of Cusco , on the crest of the mountain Machu Picchu , located about 2,350 meters above sea level. It is one of the most important archaeological centres as well as and enigmatic ancient sitesin South America and the most visited tourist attraction in Peru . It is recently added in the list of 7 wonders of the world.
Machu Pichhu means old Peak, was built between 1460 and 1470 AD by Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, an Incan ruler. In 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham rediscovered the ruins of Machu Picchu. As the city is high above the Urubamba River canyon cloud forest (altitude of 8,000 feet), it did not have any administrative, military or commercial use. But it is completely self-contained with agricultural land and many natural springs.
As a city Machu Picchu has approximately 200 structures. The most of the buildings are used for residential purpose and there are few temples, storage structures and other public buildings.
Machu Picchu is known for the intihuatana usually called as "hitching post of the sun". It is a column of stone of the size of a grand piano. This stone was also used as astronomical observatory and is the indicator of significant celestial periods.
Machu Picchu is also considered as architectural wonder. The city is made up of granite blocks and polished with sand. It made with the such a perfection that joints do not permit insertion of the blade.
No wonder Machu picchu earned it's place in the list of the 7 wonders of the world.
