World Heritage Identification Number: 883
World Heritage since: 1998
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇧🇴 Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
Continent: Americas
UNESCO World Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
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Exploring the Enigmatic Fuerte de Samaipata: A Unique Blend of Cultures
The Fuerte de Samaipata, nestled in the eastern foothills of the Bolivian Andes, stands as a testament to the rich cultural history of South America. This remarkable archaeological site, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, offers a captivating glimpse into the past, blending elements from three distinct cultures: Chané, Inca, and Spanish.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The archaeological site of Samaipata consists of two parts: the hill with its many carvings, believed to have been the ceremonial centre of the old town (14th–16th centuries), and the area to the south of the hill, which formed the administrative and residential district. The huge sculptured rock, dominating the town below, is a unique testimony to pre-Hispanic traditions and beliefs, and has no parallel anywhere in the Americas.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion ii: The sculptured rock at Samaipata is the dominant ceremonial feature of an urban settlement that represents the apogee of this form of prehispanic religious and political centre.
Criterion iii: Samaipata bears outstanding witness to the existence in this Andean region of a culture with highly developed religious traditions, illustrated dramatically in the form of immense rock sculptures.
Encyclopedia Record: El Fuerte de Samaipata
El Fuerte de Samaipata or Fort Samaipata, also known simply as "El Fuerte", is a Pre-Columbian archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Florida Province, Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia. It is situated in the eastern foothills of the Bolivian Andes and is a popular tourist destination for Bolivians and foreigners alike. It is served by the nearby town of Samaipata. The archaeological site at El Fuerte is unique as it encompasses buildings of three different cultures: Chanè, Inca, and Spanish.Additional Site Details
Area: Not available
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
Coordinates: -18.178323 , -63.820485
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© Mhwater at Dutch Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
