Written by:
peru.travel
Monday, February 21, 2022
Those who walk through the main buildings of Cusco’s Main Square will notice that some of them have a new emblem: the Unesco Blue Shield. Thus, the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, the Temple of the Holy Family, the Basilica of the Cathedral of Cusco and the Temple of the Triumph, buildings in the vicinity of the central square of Cusco, have this emblem of international protection.
But, what does the Blue Shield located on the exterior walls of these buildings mean? As explained by Unesco, it is used to mark and signal historic architectural monuments so that States refrain from directing hostile actions towards them.
Since 1957, by means of a decree created in The Hague Convention, Unesco has been in charge of granting this emblem to buildings that are valued both for their historical legacy and their infrastructure, prohibiting their use for purposes that could cause their deterioration or destruction in the event of armed conflict.
However, these are not the only buildings that display this emblem in the Cusco region. Since August 2021, the Cusco Municipal Palace, the House of the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and the Municipal Theater also bear the Blue Shield on their exteriors.
Cusco, that special place
Thus, Cusco continues to position itself as a safe and friendly place for tourists from all over the world. Recently, TripAdvisor, through the Travellers Choice Awards 2022, placed Cusco among the 20 most popular destinations in the world. And impossible not doing so, if there are several activities and experiences to do in the ‘Navel of the World.’
The first thing that every visitor to Cusco does is to visit the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This space is considered a World Cultural Heritage Site by Unesco, besides being listed as one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. In its spaces, you can connect with the history of ancient Peru, which ruled under the Inca Empire, and absorb the energy it emanates.
If you are a lover of millenary history, Cusco has a series of museums that you should not miss. The Inka Museum, Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, Museum and Convent of San Francisco, Museum of the Temple of Qoricancha or the Museum of Contemporary Art are some examples. These museums house valuable pieces of art and archaeological remains that will pleasantly surprise you.
And if outdoor adventures are what you are interested in, Cusco offers you a series of archaeological sites where, in addition to being surrounded by nature, you will learn about the ancient Peru. The fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Choquequirao (considered the ‘sister’ of Machu Picchu) or Ollantaytambo -which in December 2021 was chosen by the UNWTO as one of the best tourist villages- are waiting for you.
Interesting facts:
Cusco Andes were highlighted in choice of Peru as one of the best tourist destinations of 2021 by Condé Nast Traveler.
Sources: Andina / Unesco
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