Zigzags at Saqsayhuaman

Up on the hill above Cusco are the remains of a large and impressive Inca fortress.

We are both struck by the immense size of the lower stones, some of them much taller than us. But even more so, the quality of the workmanship. These huge stones fit perfectly together. There is no cement or even room for cement. In places there are protrusions which were probably to help with moving the stones. It is not known how such impressive and durable workmanship can be achieved with stones of this size.

The main fortifications are three layers of zigzags. Only the bases remain as the higher stones were smaller and taken by the spaniards to rebuild Cusco. There are also the foundations of huge towers and several other structures, for which theories appear to vary widely.Read more