Incamisana: Engineering an Inca Water Temple

A masterpiece of Inca civil engineering, the Incamisana water temple at Ollantaytambo, Peru, stands as a high-status sanctuary for worship of water. The temple's architecture and hydraulic works, including fourteen ceremonial fountains with three more under construction, showcase intricate planning and execution. Flooding in 1679 preserved its lower portion, offering a unique glimpse into its design. Reverse engineering field research, paleohydrological studies, and archaeological investigations revealed the temple's sophisticated water supply system, canals, and conduit/distribution network. Cliff carvings parallel to the temple add a mystical dimension, while Inca roads connected Ollantaytambo to the broader empire, underscoring its cultural significance.

Wright, K. R. (2017). Incamisana: Engineering an Inca Water Temple. World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2017, 346–358. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784480595.031