Overview
Cusco, also known as Cuzco, is a historic city in southeastern Peru, situated near the Sacred Valley of the Andes. Originally founded in the 12th century as the capital of the Inca Empire, it was reestablished by the Spanish on March 23, 1534, with much of the city built upon Inca monuments. Cusco serves as the capital and largest city of the eponymous Cusco Province and Department, and has historically been a significant cultural, economic, and political center of Peru. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and the Historical Capital of Peru by its 1993 Constitution, Cusco is a major tourist destination, hosting over 2 million visitors annually.
Historical Periods
Cuzco (1294–1401)
1294 CE – 1401 CE
Area: 8,783 km²
Cuzco (1402–1430)
1402 CE – 1430 CE
Area: 8,783 km²
Cuzco (1431–1439)
1431 CE – 1439 CE
Area: 8,783 km²