Sun Temple Machu Picchu

Sun Temple Machu Picchu

The Temple of the Sun of Machu Picchu is a semicircular structure on solid rock. It has two trapezoidal windows, and according to the chroniclers, it was inhabited by incrustations of precious stones and gold.

It forms a series of constructions that dominate the whole Citadel. It is semicircular and is on solid rock with a natural curvature of 10.5 m. Finely worked stone blocks have been used. To the north side stands a door with gilded jambs. To the west of this temple is a rectangular courtyard with nine niches interspersed with stone nails.

The “Sun Temple Machu Picchu” was originally a very sheltered complex. Only the priests and the Inca could use these temples, which remained closed and protected in Inca times. People performed popular ceremonies in open areas or squares, such as Machu Picchu or Cusco.

The entrance to the Sun Temple had a double, magnificent wooden door with a security system with stone rings on its interior surface. The door’s lintel must have hung and tied two stakes inside the small boxes carved in the internal jambs.

The temple itself was built on a huge boulder. The temple has a semicircular shape. The back wall is straight, and the temple was constructed with Inca architecture, with superposed stones with exceptional ability to achieve near-perfect joints. The semicircular wall has two windows, one facing east and the other facing north. According to modern scientists, these two windows constituted the most important solar observatory of Machu Picchu. The window facing the east could accurately measure the winter solstice, depending on the projection of the shadow of the center stone.

Both windows have a false ribbon carved out of the face, supporting the elements that make solar observations and measurements easy. An altar of cut stone in the center of the temple helped carry out the various ceremonies that honor the Sun. This is what executed the animal sacrifices to analyze their hearts, lungs, and viscera so that the priests could predict the future. Also, the Inca had to drink the chicha with their father, the Sun. The back wall has a window with small carved holes known as the Window of the Serpent (a name given by Bingham).

The holes are similar to Qorikancha of Cusco, possibly having a similar function. The straight temple walls have trapezoidal niches on their inner faces that store different idols and offerings. Some authors indicate that initially, this temple had a conical thatched roof, and they denominated it Suntur Wasi or Military Tower.