Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex

Inscription: 44th Session of the World Heritage Committee, July 31, 2021.

UNESCO inscribed Chankillo on the World Heritage List, the oldest archaeological and astronomical observatory complex in the Americas. Located in the province of Casma, in Áncash, 365 kilometers from Lima. The astronomical and ceremonial complex, over 2300 years old, consists of a fortified circular temple, thirteen towers, and a plaza, built with stone and mud.

The fortified circular temple, which rises in the highest area of Chankillo, was oriented for solar observation to establish solstices and equinoxes; and probably also for sun worship. The thirteen towers are aligned from north to south, creating a horizon that allows observation of the sun’s position. Each of these buildings is located at the same distance and has stairways leading to upper terraces.

Unlike other ancient observatories, this one covers the entire annual solar cycle. According to archaeologist Iván Ghezzi, it was used to know the different positions of the Sun, and when agrarian societies emerged, the planting and harvest seasons.