Ancient capital Chan Chan (Pérou)

The unique relics of the ancient capital of Chimu said the greatness of a civilization that has now perished. Around 1200, Chimu replaced Mochica culture in the Moche valley, the center of a vast empire stretching from Guayaquil Bay in the north to Paramonga in the south.

In this arid region, a sophisticated irrigation system has brought the water of a natural river into an 80 km long river, making Chan Chan a level of fertility today that is hard to imagine. With an area of ​​20 km2, Chan Chan is the largest urban area in America before Christophe Colomb.

The central region is divided into 9 large rectangular areas with land cover. These areas are Royal housing quarters or noble families. Each zone has many temples, pagodas, houses, flower gardens and cemeteries gathered around the squares. The main craft activities are the production of furniture, textiles and gold.

Chan Chan faced two risks: robbery took place for centuries and natural erosion. Conservation work has been carried out on frescoes and two palaces, but it must continue to systematically reinforce the works.Chan chan is listed in the World Heritage List in 1986 .