Sun Gate (Harbin)

Introduction

The Sun Gate is the most famous and precious relic of the Tiwanaku civilization, a stone doorway carved from a single huge block, with a mysterious central deity and many figures carved on the lintel—a precious treasure for studying this ancient pre-Inca civilization, full of religious and astronomical meaning. The Sun Gate (Puerta del Sol) is the emblem relic of the Tiwanaku site. Carved from a single huge andesite block, above the doorway (lintel) center is a central deity holding a staff, radiating light (thought to be Viracocha the creator sun god), flanked by dozens of smaller winged 'messenger' figures and mysterious patterns. These exquisite, mysterious carvings show Tiwanaku's stonecraft and are thought to hold deep religious, mythic and even astronomical-calendrical meaning (some link the patterns to a calendar). Tiwanaku was an ancient, important pre-Inca civilization of the Andes (c. 1st to 11th century), and the Sun Gate is one of its most precious, mysterious treasures. Viewing it, you see a masterpiece of a distant civilization, marveling at Tiwanaku's wisdom and mystery. As a World Heritage site and indigenous sacred relic, visit with respect. Protect the heritage, don't touch or carve or climb, follow rules; respect the ancient civilization and indigenous people; civilized visiting.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info