Catequilla, Archaeological site in San Antonio de Pichincha, Ecuador
Catequilla is an archaeological site located exactly at zero degrees latitude, featuring thirteen stone disks arranged in a circle at an elevation of 2,267 meters (7,438 feet). The structure demonstrates how ancient Andean cultures connected geometric precision with observations of the sky.
The site was built by pre-Incan cultures as an astronomical observation point, showing sophisticated knowledge of how the sky moves and changes. Later, the Inca also recognized its importance and incorporated it into their own practices.
The name Catequilla comes from Quichua words: KATI meaning covered and KILLA meaning moon, reflecting the indigenous language of this region.
The site sits on a hilltop with wide views and is relatively easy to reach, though sturdy shoes are necessary due to uneven ground. The best time to visit is early morning when the light is clear and you can see the surrounding landscape fully.
Measurements show that the site sits about 240 meters south of the famous Mitad del Mundo monument, which marks the presumed equator line. This discovery raises questions about whether ancient cultures understood the exact geographic position better than European explorers centuries later.
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