El Shincal de Quimivil
Catamarca
El Shincal de Quimivil is a pre-Columbian Inca city located near the town of Londres in Catamarca Province, Argentina. It served as a major political, administrative, and ceremonial center within the southernmost quarter of the Inca Empire, known as Kollasuyu. The site covers over 30 hectares and features a planned orthogonal urban layout typical of Inca regional centers. Key structures include a large walled plaza called the aukaypata, with a central ceremonial platform known as the ushnu. Surrounding this plaza are kallankas, rectangular buildings used for political and ceremonial purposes, as well as kanchas-residential compounds for local elites, site caretakers, temples, and guests. El Shincal was strategically located at a crossroads on the Qhapaq Ñan, the Inca road system, linking the annexed Tucumán area with northern Chile. This highlights its role in regional control, resource exploitation, and symbolic conquest through ceremonial hospitality. The site was declared a National Historic Monument in 1997 and underwent significant restoration and enhancement between 2013 and 2015, revitalizing its cultural and historical value. Today, it stands as one of the most important testimonies of Inca presence in northwestern Argentina and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the empire's southern frontier.
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Tipp: The best time to visit El Shincal de Quimivil is during the Argentine summer months when the weather is mild and dry. Visitors are advised to check opening hours and consider purchasing tickets in advance if available. Guided tours can enrich the experience by providing detailed historical context. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended due to the site's outdoor nature and elevation.
Interessante Fakten
- •El Shincal de Quimivil is one of the southernmost Inca urban centers, illustrating the empire's extensive reach into present-day Argentina.
- •The site includes a large walled plaza (aukaypata) with a ceremonial platform (ushnu) at its center, typical of Inca political centers.
- •El Shincal was part of the Kollasuyu quarter of the Inca Empire, which encompassed parts of Bolivia, Chile, and northern Argentina.
- •The urban layout follows an orthogonal grid reflecting Inca architectural planning principles.
- •The nearby town of Londres was founded in 1558 and named in honor of the marriage between Philip II of Spain and Mary Tudor of England.
- •Between 2013 and 2015, El Shincal underwent significant restoration to enhance its cultural and historical value.
Geschichte
El Shincal de Quimivil was originally a settlement associated with the local Belén culture but gained prominence after the Inca expansion in the 15th century.
It became a crucial political and ceremonial center within the Kollasuyu region of the Inca Empire.
The city was strategically positioned on the Qhapaq Ă‘an, the Inca road system, facilitating control over a vast territory including various valleys and mining areas.
In 1558, nearby Londres was founded by Spanish colonizers, possibly marking the second Spanish foundation in Argentine territory, underscoring the area's continued historical significance.
The site was declared a National Historic Monument in 1997 and has since been restored and revalorized to preserve its archaeological and cultural heritage.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Aukaypata (Walled Plaza)15th century
The large central plaza of El Shincal, surrounded by walls, served as the main ceremonial and political gathering space. It features the ushnu, a square ceremonial platform used for important rituals and administrative functions.
Ushnu (Ceremonial Platform)15th century
A raised square platform located at the center of the aukaypata, used for religious ceremonies and governance activities, representing the Inca's control over the region.
Kallankas (Rectangular Buildings)15th century
Large rectangular structures surrounding the plaza used for political, administrative, and ceremonial activities, showcasing Inca architectural design.
Kancha Residential Complexes15th century
Residential compounds arranged around the aukaypata and along the Inca road, including the Casa del Curaca, reserved for local rulers or elites, as well as housing for permanent inhabitants, temples, and guest accommodations.
