The great historical mural of Cusco: free visit
The great historical mural of Cusco is a huge work of visual art, 50 meters wide by 6 meters long, telling the history of the region: from the first men, the Inca past, the colonial past and the modern era. This work was made in 1992, by the artist from Cusco Juan Bravo Vizcarra. The visit is free for everyone. Learn more!
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The great mural of the history of Cusco
The great mural of the history of Cusco is a cultural tourist attraction of Cusco. It is a canvas located in the Historic Center of Cusco, which attracts the eye of visitors due to its large dimensions, its various colors and the content of its message.
It is estimated that it is the largest mural in South America as it is 50 meters wide by 6 meters long. This work was created by the artist from Cusco Juan Bravo Vizcarra. It is estimated that the time for its creation was nine months. The unveiling of the work was in 1992, when the mayor Daniel Estrada Pérez governed Cusco, a diffuser of this type of works in the city.
What is the message of this great mural? Well, it summarizes the history of Cusco over more than 3,000 years, from the existence of the first ayllus (families) to the founding of the Inca empire, the Tahuantinsuyo, and the conquest by the Spanish. The work depicts an Andean man looking at the future with defiance.
Where is?
The great mural of the history of Cusco is located on block 9 of El Sol avenue, one of the busiest in the city (connects with the Plaza de Armas).
How to get there?
From any part of the historic center of Cusco you can walk to reach the great mural of Cusco. You just have to follow the following steps:
- From Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, take Mantas street, located in one of its corners.
- On Mantas street, take the first avenue, called ‘El Sol’. From there begins a walk downhill for approximately nine blocks.
- After a walking route of 10 minutes on average, you can appreciate the great mural history of Cusco. Take your time to appreciate it!
The history of Cusco
Cusco before the Inca period
5 thousand years before the Christian era, the first families or ayllus of the valley of Cusco were formed. Thus the first inhabitants were the so-called cultures: Marcavalle, Chanapata, Lucre, Cotacalle and Killke. The so-called ‘Man of Qhorqa’, was the first human find in the region (more than 4 thousand years old). Then more important cultures settled that covered large regions such as the Wari (from 100 to 1,100 AD).Los orígenes de los incas en Cusco
The Incas are native to the highland region of present-day Peru and Bolivia. From there they migrated to the valley of Cusco where they settled in the 12th century.
Oral tradition has summarized this migration with two legends: the Legend of the Ayar Brothers and the Legend of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo. Indeed, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo are two beings who would have founded the first Inca ethnic group in Cusco.
In those first years in Cusco, the Incas were a small ethnic group or curacazgo that stood out for its knowledge of social organization, ceramics, textiles, and architecture. It is said that Manco Cápac was in charge of teaching men to cultivate the land, hunt and build homes. On the other hand, Mama Ocllo was in charge of teaching the women to weave and cook.Los incas, el imperio más grande de América del Sur
After more than two hundred years as chiefdom, the Incas expanded their territory after defeating their fiercest enemies, the Chanka culture. The leader of this victory was the great Inca statist Pachacutec, the founder of the Tahuantinsuyo empire.
The empire of the Tahuantinsuyo or empire of the four suyos came to cover extensive regions of present-day Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile and Argentina. It was the largest empire in South America, reaching its maximum expansion in the 16th century.
As a sign of the passage of the Incas in Cusco and other regions of South America, large buildings such as Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha, Ollantaytambo, Choquequirao and, of course, Machu Picchu can still be seen today.
Colonialism in Cusco
On November 16, 1532, Emperor Atahualpa was captured in Cajamarca. With this strategic move, the Spanish gradually gained power in Cusco (capital of the Inca empire). Thus, under a decree promulgated in 1543, the Viceroyalty of Peru was founded.
The Incas resisted for approximately thirty years. In 1572 the last Inca of Vilcabamba was assassinated. From then on, the Spaniards imposed their religion, their architecture and customs, which are still valid until today’s Cusco.
Finally, in 1821, after an emancipatory process that meant many deaths, the declaration of the Independence of Peru was achieved. As a result of colonialism, in Cusco it is possible to appreciate a notorious syncretism between the Inca and Spanish culture. Temples such as the Cathedral or the Company of Jesus stand out.
Cuzco today
As a result of this historical process, today Cusco is considered the ‘Archaeological Capital of America’. Imposing constructions made by the Incas and also by the Spanish stand out. However, despite the great interest of tourists, the region still has high rates of poverty. Even so, the people of Cusco look to the future with optimism. Its customs, culture and traditions have much of the Inca ancestors and the drastic passage through the Spanish.
It’s free?
Yes, the visit to the great mural history of Cusco is free for all visitors as it is located on a public road.
An interesting way to visit it and, above all, understand it is through the Free Walking Tour Cusco. In this way the tourist will appreciate the mural accompanied by a professional tour guide who will explain details of this work.
Visiting hours
The great mural of history of Cusco is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day.
Questions and answers about the great mural of the history of Cusco
- What is the great mural history of Cusco?
It is a work of art painted on a wall in the historic center of Cusco. It stands out for its color, dimension and meaning.
- Is it the largest mural in South America?
Yes, it is estimated that the great mural of Cusco is one of the largest in South America.
- Where is it located?
The great mural history of Cusco is located on block 9 of El Sol avenue, in the historic center of Cusco.
- How much does the visit cost? It’s free?
Yes, the visit to the great mural of Cusco is free for everyone. It is located on a public road so it is open 24 hours a day.
- Can I visit the great mural of Cusco with a professional guide?
Yes, through the Free Walking Tour Cusco it is possible to visit for free, and accompanied by a professional guide, the great mural history of Cusco.
- How big is the great mural history of Cusco?
The mural measures 50 meters wide by 6 meters long.
- What is the meaning of the great mural of Cusco?
The mural summarizes the history of Cusco over more than 3 thousand years. From the first families or ayllus to the passage of the Incas and the Spanish through the Andean region. The mural ends with an Andean man looking at the future with optimism.
- Who was the author of the great mural history of Cusco?
The work was created in 1992 by the artist from Cusco Juan Bravo Vizcarra.