Ungara. The Territory, architecture and construction of the Huarco- Inca landscape in the lower Cañete Valley

Guzmán-Juárez M. · Estudios Atacamenos (2025)

Resumen

Ungara is an architectural complex built by the Huarco (1100-1470 AD) and Huarco-Inca (1470-1532 AD) in the lower Cañete Valley. It lies on the banks of the Cañete River, on the hill with the same name, a short distance from the coast. Researchers posit that the Huarco-Inca consciously decided to build on the slopes and summit, organizing eight urban areas differentiated by location and spatial tension. This view ponders the logic of architectural production, presuming astronomical knowledge as it reflects on simultaneous relationalities, perceiving connections between the lines and positioning of buildings, the physical landscape and the Apu-referent elements. The positioning of buildings around defining temporal structures marks solstices, equinoxes and knowledge of nocturnal Andean constellations. There are three sectors in the spatial hierarchy: the central sector on the summit, with a prominent solstice-facing altar (ushnu); the eastern sector, which has a large ceremonial patio and a huanca stone; and the southwest sector, facing the sea and featuring a solstice building. Ungara is a ceremonial complex that articulates knowledge of spatialities and temporalities, tantamount to constructing social memories and sacred symbolic landscapes. © (2025), (Universidad Catolica del Norte). All Rights Reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas