Sacsayhuaman Fortress is still an awe-inspiring sight. This gigantic fortress, built by Inca Topa (ruled 1471 - 1493), towers above Cuzco. The main wall is made of great rocks in a zigzag pattern, representing the teeth of the puma (to the [G 11 / Inca], Cuzco was in the shape of a puma). The largest of these blocks is 17 feet high, 10 feet broad and nine feet thick and weighs more than 100 tons.
In Inca times, three towers stood above the walls, but today only the foundations are left and the visitor has to imagine the size and impact of these towers. The foundations show that the largest was 72 feet in diameter and was used as a water tank for the large garrison of 5,000 men.
It was at this fortress that one of the most famous battles of the conquest took place. Thousands died when Pizarro tried to take Sacsayhuaman and their bodies were eaten by the great condors which soared over the Andes. The Cuzco coat of arms has eight condors on it, in memory of this event. When Cuzco was finally subdued, the Spanish dismantled much of the fortress to build their houses.
