Machu Picchu is an iconic Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Built in the 15th century under the reign of ruler Pachacutec, the site was constructed without the aid of wheels or iron tools. This engineering marvel was primarily built with granite blocks, which were carefully cut to fit together tightly without the use of mortar. Located roughly 2,430 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu covers an area of about 5 square miles and includes over 150 buildings ranging from baths and houses to temples and sanctuaries.

The precise function of Machu Picchu remains a topic of scholarly debate; however, it is widely believed to have served as a royal estate for the ruler and his retinue. Some experts also suggest it may have had religious significance, serving as a site for ritual activities and as a pilgrimage center, or even as an astronomical observatory.

Despite its grandeur and central role in the Inca civilization, Machu Picchu was abandoned in the 16th century, around the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Interestingly, the Spanish never found Machu Picchu, and it remained unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Machu Picchu’s construction is particularly notable for its integration with the natural landscape. The Incas built terraces and polished natural rock formations to work seamlessly with their architecture, making the city appear as a natural extension of the surrounding mountains. The site also features an ingenious water distribution system that provided water throughout the city for various needs, including agriculture.