INTIHUATANA
It is a promontory that slightly dominates the other buildings. Terraces have been built on all four sides, forming a kind of pyramid with a polygonal base. There are two wide staircases to the north and south. The southern staircase is the most interesting, as most of the 78 steps are cut from a single stone. At the very top is the Intihuatana (Quechua for "the sun is attached") rock. The rock itself has a few steps so that the priest can access it and place his offerings.
This polygon-shaped stone is about 1 meter high and 2 meters in diameter, carved in one piece. Its different faces cast shadows in relation to the movement of the sun at different times of the year. This made it possible to predict climatic changes and therefore the important moments for agriculture throughout the year. The movement of the stars was also monitored. The shadow cast by the small central pillar was used to measure the passage of time. This is why it is also called "Inca sundial".
It is said that the Intihuatana stone radiates its own energy. In the past, one could put one's hands down to feel this power. Today, one must keep a distance of a few centimeters. Some theories speak of a vortex of energy on which would be built the city of Machu Picchu with in its center the Intihuatana. This undoubtedly adds to the mystique of the place.
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