Aerial image of Chan Chan by CyArkCyArk
During its peak around 1400 AD, Chan Chan was the largest adobe brick city on earth.
It was the capital city of the Chimú empire which stretched for nearly 1000 kilometres along the coast of Peru and Ecuador.
Maritime reliefs adorn the walls of Chan Chan by CyArkCyArk
Chan Chan has extraordinary hierarchical town planning strategy and innovative irrigation system. This included discrete zones including a central monumental area with nine large rectangular citadels, all made from elaborate mud brick adobe architecture.
Chan chan detailsCyArk
Architecture at Chan Chan is characterised by buildings constructed using pre-prepared sections of poured mud or adobe.
Walls of Palacio Tschudi at Chan Chan by CyArkCyArk
Some of the structures are over ten metres high and included elaborate alleys and street systems.
Huaca de la Luna, Chan Chan by CYArkCyArk
Later European conquistadors noted the elaborate walls and architectural features decorated with precious metals.
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Milagros Flores, ICOMOS and President, ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Fortifications and Military Heritage.
