Cusco excursions
We travelled along the cobblestoned streets of Cusco and stopped at outside a stone walled colonial-era building with an impressive entrance. A set of double doors intricately carved and studded with iron embellishments, was its entrance. This was La Casona Princesita, but we had no idea that we were about to visit a very historic former Inca palace. Jamie our guided had kept it as a wonderful surprise for us and I guess we all immediately 'forgave' him for having insisted that we rise at 3.30 am.
This former16th-century palace- mansion is now an upmarket, boutique hotel which had been fully restored to its former elegant glory with attention to detail in its use of original Inca and colonial features. However, the sympathetic incorporation of modern 21th-century essential services like electricity, internal bathrooms with modern plumbing fixtures, underfloor heating, flat screen TV's and the internet makes La Casona a very relaxing and rejuvenating place to stay. It has 11 suite rooms which have been furnished with authentic locally sourced antiques. This beautifully restored building is also used as a venue for weddings, special celebrations and quiet get-away weekend breaks from people all over the world.
Inkaterra La Casona, as it is referred to today, was originally constructed directly on top of an existing Inca foundation:-the training grounds and buildings for an elite army of Incas. This exquisite 16th-century manor house is built in the Spanish colonial hacienda style with several levels built around a central colonnade courtyard.
It was constructed in locally hewn stone with arches and columns, stone fireplaces, thick walled cellars, balconies and massive exposed beams which give strength and character in its structure.
We stood amazed as we stepped into its entrance vestibule which was dominated by an impressive timber and iron-lace designed staircase. The staircase wound up and past a strikingly, magnificently colourful stain glass window, framed by an arch of sandstone blocks. This window depicts the Inca Princess and an Inca warrior and whilst it is a modern addition to this meticulously restored building it acknowledges the Inca history in the foundations and within the walls of Inkaterra La Casona.
The Peruvian government has recognized the building's significance by deeming it a national historical monument. Its arcades and timeless courtyard have seen many noble, historically significant figures, from elite Inca warriors to Diego de Almagro, one of the Spanish conquerors who came to Peru in 1535, to Simón Bolívar who liberated South America from the Spanish domination in the 19th century.
