Warning: this post is not going to give you anything except a starting point for figuring out something on your own. One day I’ll explain — I’ve already discussed it in a past post — but not today.
These two panels can be found on either side of the entrance to the Templo del Triunfo which is the south chapel of Cusco’s Cathedral. They’re about 2 meters tall and are generally ignored by everyone from tourists to locals.
For some reason, yesterday evening I noticed something that caught my attention because I’d noticed it before inside the Cathedral. I walked back to the other panel and, sure enough, there is was again.
I began to scan the outside of the Cathedral and was able to find 16 others! As I walked to the front of the Cathedral, I studied it’s facade and found another 27! On a previous visit inside the Cathedral itself, I’d counted well over 100.
Even more fascinating was noting that the northern chapel, the Capilla de la Sagrada Familia, had absolutely none on it’s facade.
None of these appear by coincidence. I was able to confirm that with the Cathedral’s “professor” once who was kind enough to take me on a special tour of some of the church’s hidden secrets. His knowing smile when he realized I’d stumbled on perhaps it’s most important “secret” was one of my proudest moments.
I’m not going to answer any questions or respond to comments, but I can assure that what I noticed last night is, indeed, the most significant part of the Cathedral’s design and perhaps represents the most important part of Cusco’s religious history. (That’s a hint, by the way.)
Can you see what they have in common and, even more importantly, do you know the significance?
[The Cathedral has a lot of fascinating things to learn and is one of my favorite places to spend time. Sadly, no photography is allowed, but it’s a rule I certainly can understand. I can’t recommend enough taking a long, slow walk through the Cathedral if you have the chance.]
