Plaza Kusipata, Cultural heritage square in central Cusco, Peru
Plaza Kusipata is a public square in the heart of Cusco, Peru, with a fountain at its center and colonial buildings on all sides. The western edge holds souvenir shops, while the southern side houses restaurants in a former hotel building.
The plaza was formed when Huacaypata, the great Inca main square, was divided after the Spanish began reshaping the city center in 1555. What had been a single open space became several smaller squares, each given a different role in the new colonial city.
The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Cusco occupies the Cabildo building on the plaza and shows works by local and national artists throughout the year. The building itself, with its colonial arches and courtyard, is part of the visit.
The plaza sits in the city center and is easy to reach on foot from the Plaza de Armas. The trees provide shade and the seating is a good place to rest before or after exploring the surrounding streets.
The name Kusipata means something close to "place of joy" in Quechua, and this area was set aside for festivals and public celebrations during Inca times. This made it different from Huacaypata, which served more ceremonial purposes.
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