Casa de las Sierpes, Colonial building in Cusco, Peru.
Casa de las Sierpes is a colonial building in central Cusco that blends Spanish design with Inca construction methods and displays intricate stonework throughout. The facade combines precisely carved stone blocks with decorative elements reflecting both architectural traditions.
The building was constructed during the Spanish colonial period when European settlers reused stones from dismantled Inca structures for their own constructions. This practice of material reuse defined the appearance of many Cusco buildings from that era.
The serpent carvings on the stone walls show Inca symbols and artistic traditions that survived through the colonial period and remain visible today.
The building is accessible during daylight hours and can be combined with other sites in the historic center. Visiting early in the morning offers a quieter experience and better light for viewing the stonework.
The building's foundation features original Inca stone blocks fitted without mortar, supporting colonial-era upper sections and balconies above. This layering directly shows how Spanish conquistadors integrated existing structures into their own designs.
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