This region is the ancient home of the Wari people, who lived here between 600 and 1000 AD. The Wari were a pre-Inca people known for their genius for urban planning and engineering.
Ayacucho is known as the “City of Churches.” Its most ancient temple was built in the year 1540. There are 33 temples, each one displaying important art such as pulpits crafted from painted wood, retablos, etc. The Cathedral of Ayacucho dates from 1612, and is an exquisitely decorated example of Baroque Renaissance style.
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Ayacucho, City of Churches
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Semana Santa (Easter week) is celebrated here in a fervent and passionate manner, and is considered to be one of the greated religious displays of any Peruvian town. Ayacucho is gerenally known for its great tradition of carpentry and creation of retablos, as well as the “tablas de Sarhua,” that represent geneological family trees, and the alabaster work, “ Rock of Huamanga.” Ayacucho is known for its tapestry arts, and some very famous artists in this specialized type of weaving reside there.
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Vilcashuaman Ruins, near Ayacucho
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