Global Treasures: Cusco

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1115

UPC: 879061007149

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Today, a proud symbol of the Conquistadores, the historic Spanish conquerors, towers over the town of Cusco in Peru's mountains. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, Cusco lay at the centre of the Inca world and was the capital and religious centre of an immense kingdom.

The unique combination of Spanish and Inca culture is apparent in the attractive architecture of the town. Typical characteristics of the houses are the overhanging tiled roofs and beautiful old balconies.

One of the town's most extravagant colonial buildings, the La Compañía de Jesús Church in the Plaza De Armas Square was built on mighty Inca foundations.

Some of Cusco's streets still display the impressive and sturdy architecture of the Inca people. Attractive houses line the former procession roads of the Inca that led from the main square, today's Plaza De Armas, to the Sun Temple.

Although historic, Cusco is full of mystery and speculation with regard to its famous Inca predecessors.