The 12 Angles Stone

Discover the Stone of the 12 Angles, an Inca architectural jewel located in the heart of Cusco, Peru. This emblematic stone, part of the Archbishop's Palace on the historic Hatun Rumiyoq Street, captivates visitors with its precision and mastery.

Every angle fits perfectly, demonstrating the advanced Inca knowledge of construction and design. It is not only a testament to the unparalleled engineering of the Incas, but also a profound cultural symbol for the people of Cusco.

Visiting the 12 Angles Stone offers you a window into the glorious past of the Inca Empire, showing the sophistication and respect for harmony with nature that characterized their civilization. Immerse yourself in history, admire the precision and marvel at this Inca legacy that continues to defy time.

What is the 12 corners stone?

The Stone of the 12 Angles is an emblematic stone block of the Inca culture that stands out for its exceptional finish and the precision of its twelve perfectly assembled angles, without asymmetries in its joints. It is considered Cultural Patrimony of the Nation of Peru.

1. Inca masterpiece: Located in Cusco, this stone is a testimony of the advanced engineering and architecture of the Inca civilization.
2. Millimetric precision: Each of its twelve angles fits perfectly with the adjacent stones, demonstrating the exceptional skill of the Inca builders.
3. Cultural symbol: Beyond its architectural value, it represents a deep cultural significance for the people of Cusco and Peru.
4. Protected Heritage: It is considered Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru, highlighting its historical and cultural importance.
5. Tourist Attraction: Located on Hatun Rumiyoq Street, it has become a mandatory point of interest for those who visit Cusco, because they are attracted by its beauty and mystery.
6. Advanced construction techniques: Reflects the Incas' mastery of advanced construction techniques, capable of creating durable structures without the use of mortar.
7. Legends and mysteries: Surrounded by stories and legends, its origin and construction continue to fascinate and generate curiosity among historians and tourists.

History and origin of the Twelve Cornerstone

The history and origin of the Stone of the 12 Angles in Cusco are deeply rooted in the rich Inca culture, this stone is part of a wall that once belonged to the residence of Inca Roca, the sixth ruler of Cusco, and is now part of the Archbishop's Palace on the famous Hatun Rumiyoq street.

The perfection with which each of the twelve angles of the stone fits with the other stones of the wall is a testament to the advanced construction techniques of the Incas. These techniques allowed the Incas to build durable and aesthetically impressive structures without the use of amalgam or mortar. Although the exact function and symbolic significance of the stone remains a matter of speculation, its architectural and cultural value is undeniable.

What makes the 12 Angles Stone special is not only its precision and construction technique, but also the mystery surrounding how the Incas achieved such perfection with the tools and technology of their time. This stone, along with the rest of the wall and Inca architecture in general, continues to fascinate historians and tourists alike for the technical mastery and aesthetic beauty it represents.

Main characteristics of the 12 Angles Stone

This block of volcanic stone, specifically green diorite, weighs approximately 6 tons and measures 2 meters high, was carved with a precision that denotes an advanced knowledge in construction by the Incas. .

The technique used to carve and transport them from the quarries to their current location involved the use of fire, water, and molding tools, demonstrating the complexity and advanced understanding they had of engineering and architecture.

In addition to its technical perfection, the stone is famous for the cultural symbolism it represents for the people of Cusco and for its contribution to the aesthetics and history of the place.

Location and how to get there

Curious facts about the 12-angled stone

• The stone is testimony to the precision and skill of the Inca engineers, who carved this and other stones of the wall at various angles to ensure structural stability in the face of the frequent earthquakes in the region.
• The exact tools used by the Incas to achieve precision in stone carving are not known.
• In March 2014, the stone was vandalized with spray paint, an act that damaged one of Cusco's greatest attractions. Despite efforts, the markings could not be completely removed, adding a contemporary note to its long history.

In conclusion, this stone is not only a tourist attraction due to its beauty and technical perfection, but also offers a window to the Inca past, showing the advanced construction techniques and the cultural importance that this civilization gave to harmony and precision in their buildings. A visit is a must for those interested in history, architecture, and pre-Columbian culture.