Perched atop a rocky hill in the Cañete Valley of Peru, the archaeological site of Cerro de Oro represents three periods of occupation over a span of a thousand years beginning in the mid-sixth century. Elaborate funerary bundles, textiles, and residential structures are just some of the discoveries revealed through excavation.
Declared as a Monumental Archaeological Zone by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture in 2006, Cerro de Oro is as historically significant as better-known archaeological sites like Chan Chan, Huaca de la Luna, and Machu Picchu.
The active archaeological zone faced the challenge of looting and illegal encroachment– Cerro de Oro was included on the 2018 World Monuments Watch in response to these constant challenges that threatened the site and its potential for social use and sustainable tourism.
This image shows evidence of looting at Cerro de Oro.
This image shows evidence of looting at Cerro de Oro.
Following inclusion on the 2018 Watch, the District Municipality of San Luis de Cañete increased security at the site as a measure to prevent the looting. In addition to added security measures, WMF is working together with the municipality to enhance visitor experience while protecting the fragile site. Work includes the implementation of informational panels along a new walking trail, the opening of two new viewpoints from which to observe the cultural and natural landscape of the low valley of Cañete, and the construction of a new interpretation center where educational activities will be carried out.
The new visitor trails give visitors the opportunity to walk through the site while protecting the vulnerable archaeological zones.
The new visitor trails give visitors the opportunity to walk through the site while protecting the vulnerable archaeological zones.
The new interpretation center under construction.
The new interpretation center under construction.
The new interpretation center is the highlight of new visitor improvements. Sustainability was a fundamental element of the design and construction, utilizing materials such as wood and raw earthen blocks.
The new interpretation center is the highlight of new visitor improvements. Sustainability was a fundamental element of the design and construction, utilizing materials such as wood and raw earthen blocks.
Architecture students from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú were involved in the planning and execution process of the new interpretation center, from the sustainability design, to the construction process.
Architecture students from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú were involved in the planning and execution process of the new interpretation center, from the sustainability design, to the construction process.
The team of students was led by architect Vincent Juillerat, who was inspired by the landscape of the valley and the 'hidden' history of the site.
The team of students was led by architect Vincent Juillerat, who was inspired by the landscape of the valley and the 'hidden' history of the site.
The design and construction of the interpretation center was mindful of the active archaeological digs presently taking place at Cerro de Oro, led by Dr. Francesca Fernandini.
The design and construction of the interpretation center was mindful of the active archaeological digs presently taking place at Cerro de Oro, led by Dr. Francesca Fernandini.
Most of Cerro de Oro remains unexplored, yet past excavations have revealed buildings, funerary structures, textiles and pottery.
Most of Cerro de Oro remains unexplored, yet past excavations have revealed buildings, funerary structures, textiles and pottery.
World Monuments Fund is optimistic and excited for the future of this special site. Learn more about the design and construction process of the new visitor improvements with an interview with architect Vincent Juillard.
