Cultural Heritage

Incan suspension bridge conserved yearly for more than 500 years collapses due to lack of maintenance

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The Q’eswachaka suspension bridge, which has been maintained in its original state from generation to generation since the 15th century and is a declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, collapsed due to the deterioration of its ropes that could not be renewed due to the pandemic, according to the cultural authority of Cusco in Peru.

The structure of the 90-ft long bridge over the Apurímac River is just over 3 feet wide and is built of a vegetable fiber braided into ropes. Farmers in the area have rebuilt the rope walkway every year between May and June for five centuries. It is the last bridge of its kind.

A technical team is assessing the damage.

By Milan Sime Martinic

Tourists damage 1500-year-old Gate of the Sun and rock monoliths in Bolivia’s ancient city of Tiwanaku

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Four women and one man from the eastern city of Santa Cruz were charged with damaging the carved stone relics of the civilization that flourished for five centuries on the site, forerunner of the Inca empire. The pre-Columbian ruins are part of the country’s most important archaeological treasures.

After seeing what they described as “suspicious activity,” caretakers said the group splashed the structures with an oily substance that stained surfaces and that experts say would attract gases into the stone, causing internal changes and deterioration.

By Milan Sime Martinic