Temple of the Sun at Machu Picchu

 

Photo Corey, displayed under a CC license.

Formed by a series of buildings dominating the whole citadel, the temple has a semicircular shape and is located on top of an existing granite block.

It follows the natural curve of the rock and its perimeter measures 34.4-ft.(10.5 m.) long. Blocks of finely worked stone have been used for this wall.

The building features two trapezoidal windows with bulges on the corners. Towards the north wing, there is a door with perforated jambs, similar to those found in the Qoricancha Temple, in Cusco.

To the west of Machu Picchu’s Temple of the Sun, there is a rectangular patio with 9 vaulted niches intercalated by stone nails.