Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, never ceases to amaze its visitors. Beyond its famous Plaza de Armas and the grandeur of Machu Picchu, Cusco hides corners that connect us with the past. Among these are a set of streets that mysteriously bear the number seven in their names. Each of these streets is a living testimony to traditions, legends, and the worldview that links Andean peoples with colonial spirituality. In this article, we invite you to discover the Seven Streets of Cusco and the deeper meaning they hold.
🔢 The Powerful Number Seven in Andean Culture
Before diving into the details of these unique streets, it’s important to understand the symbolism of the number seven in the Andean worldview. For the ancient Incas, seven was not just a number—it was a spiritual link. It represented the connection between the physical and divine worlds, serving as a bridge between humans and deities. This number appears prominently in rituals, architecture, and even agricultural practices.
In fact, seven is repeatedly found in the social and religious organization of the Incas, reflecting a fundamental sense of balance and harmony. Today, seven remains a symbol of perfection, protection, and wholeness—elements deeply rooted in Cusco’s identity and reflected in the streets that bear this number.
🏘️ The Seven Streets of Cusco: Each with Its Own Story
Cusco is not just a city of pathways, it’s a city of stories, legends, and meanings materialized in its streets. Here are the tales behind the Seven Streets of Cusco that carry the number seven in their names:
1. Siete Borreguitos Street
Siete Borreguitos Street is one of Cusco’s most charming corners, located in a picturesque part of the city. Its name comes from seven lamb figures that once adorned a house along the street. Although the statues are no longer present, the name remains, evoking a rural and agricultural past that was part of everyday life for Cusqueños.
2. Siete Culebras Street
One of Cusco’s most fascinating streets is Siete Culebras. Its name comes from serpents carved into its stone walls, which in Inca times symbolized wisdom and spiritual connection. In Quechua, “Amaru” means serpent, and this street is named for the fourteen serpent carvings, seven on each side. In Andean cosmology, serpents are guardians of ancestral secrets, giving this street a deep mystical significance.
3. Siete Angelitos Street
In contrast to the mischievous “little devils,” Siete Angelitos Street is a place of protection and spirituality. In the past, a house on this street was decorated with seven angel paintings commissioned by Blas de Bobadilla, a nobleman of the time. These figures were meant to protect the health and well-being of local residents. Their presence gave the street an aura of peace and blessing that still lingers today.
4. Siete Diablitos Street
Siete Diablitos Street is steeped in legend. During colonial times, it was a popular meeting spot for young lovers. Stories tell of mischievous little devils who tried to disrupt romantic encounters, creating an atmosphere of mystery and local folklore. This blend of romance and mischief has endured, adding a magical and mysterious touch to the area.
5. Siete Cuartones Street
Siete Cuartones Street is a testament to colonial engineering. Its name comes from seven large stone blocks used to reinforce a lime-and-stone bridge over the Saphy River. Built in the 16th century by Don Diego de Vargas y Carbajal, the bridge connected old and new parts of the city. Today, only one of the original blocks remains visible, but its legacy lives on in Cusco’s memory.
6. Siete Mascarones Street
Siete Mascarones Street evokes colonial artistry. In the past, several houses along the street were adorned with carved mascarons, bronze or wooden figures representing deities or protective spirits. Legend has it that the street was home to Don Mascareñas, an artisan who crafted bronze pieces for local churches. Today, the street remains a reflection of Cusco’s artistic and cultural past.
7. Siete Ventanas Street
Siete Ventanas Street bears the mark of colonial architecture. Its name comes from an old building that featured seven windows, four large and three small. Although the structure no longer exists, the name endures, evoking a Cusco that blended Inca and colonial influences. Windows, often the soul of colonial homes, symbolized communication between worlds: the intimate interior and the social exterior.
🧭 The Cultural Legacy of Cusco’s Seven Streets
The Seven Streets of Cusco are more than transit routes, they are living testimonies of the fusion between Inca culture and colonial influence. Each street has preserved its essence over the centuries, making them invaluable cultural heritage. Walking through them is not just a physical journey, it’s a passage through stories, legends, and ancestral wisdom.
These streets also represent the harmony between the different eras that shaped Cusco. From Andean beliefs to colonial traditions, each street speaks of a perfect balance between past and present.
🧘 Conclusion: A Journey Through Cusco’s History
Each of Cusco’s Seven Streets invites you to discover a chapter of the city’s history, revealing a cultural legacy that lives on in its people and traditions. Walking these streets is not just a stroll, it’s a spiritual journey that connects travelers with the soul of Cusco.
If you ever visit this magical city, be sure to explore its Seven Streets and immerse yourself in their history and mysticism.
Cusco awaits you with its ancestral legacy.
