Even though all the Incan temples and palaces in Cuzco were destroyed, there are remnants of Inca masonry to be found in the city, in places other than Saqsaywaman and Qoricancha which I’ve already discussed. The following walls are all within a few blocks of my hotel. Some are essentially original, some have some restoration, and some are just bits incorporated into a more modern building.
The polygonal block masonry in the first two photographs is similar to that used in Saqsaywaman, just on a different scale. Generally, this style was used for solid structures, such as terraces and canals. The rectangular blocks laid in even courses was a style generally used in freestanding walls, as seen at Qoricancha, or interiors.
Here are several other examples from outside the city. While the exact purpose of Tambomachay is unknown, it is known as “The Baths of the Incas” because of its series of aqueducts, canals and waterfalls.
Tambomachay
Wall at Ollantaytambo
At Ollantaytambo, which I’ll talk about in another post, there is a wall unlike any other Inca-built wall I saw.
Wall at Ollantaytambo
It may not be obvious, but these stones are very tall, way taller than my 5 1/2′. Huge polygonal stones were used in the walls of Saqsaywaman, but these are rectangular. Moreover, the narrow vertical courses are truly unique.