THE SEVEN STREETS OF CUSCO
The enigmatic historic center of Cusco keeps many stories, among them, we have some curious facts such as the 7 streets with 7 names that let the imagination fly. Perhaps they keep some secret or were simply called that way by the use; the narrated anecdotes were compiled from the book Origin of the names of the streets of Colonial Cusco by Angel Carreño which is an appendix of the traditions of Cusco.
1.- SEVEN MASKS
This is the name given to the silent alley located between Almudena and La Parroquia de Santiago, it is said that Don Mascareñas, a Spanish founder, whose 6 sons helped to mold and cast convex bronze pieces with caryatids, these were placed on the doors of the churches, pieces that are preserved to this day, also other pieces are still used as nails for the doors of the streets, bells, etc.. The passing of time has not been very good with this passage since it is a little neglected, but it still keeps the essence of its history. We invite you to visit it.
2.- SEVEN WINDOWS
The name of this street is still preserved, we find it between the corner of Alabado and the continuation of Ruinas Street, it is worth mentioning that before the destruction of the temple of San Agustín, there was a house of studies of the same convent behind the temple, which had 4 large windows and 3 small ones, of which only the name has remained since nowadays it does not coincide with the number of windows that modern houses have.
3.- SEVEN QUARTERS
Its name refers to 7 stone beams in the shape of quarters, aligned from stretch to stretch on the Saphy River, these were next to the bridge of lime and stone that Don Diego de Vargas y Carbajal ordered to build, next to the window of the petitions. At the moment only a crossbar is appreciated on the Saphy street, the passage of time is erasing the adornments our streets that will only remain in memories.
4.- SEVEN LITTLE SHEEP
The name of this steep street, refers to the passage of the villagers who carried their bundles on pack animals, to wash their rags and baskets in the river Tullumayu, from the end of the street Pumaq - Kurkun (old name that appears on the map of Cusco - Cchipu Pata), is now called Palacios street. Due to the growth and modernization of the city, this street was remodeled for the improvement of the traffic, but from time to time we can appreciate the passage of some groups of llamas and sheep, this maintains the magic of the city.
5.- SEVEN LITTLE DEVILS
One of the most famous streets for many lovers of yesteryear, who used to meet to see each other, legend has it that they were tempted by the devil and more than one returned with his Sunday 7, these stories gave rise to the name. Nowadays it has lost the charm of couples to see each other secretly since it is a very busy street, but there are still some lovers who do not lose hope of finding their soul mate.
6.- SEVEN LITTLE ANGELS
Contrasting to the previous street, we have the 7 Angelitos. This street is located to the right of Carmen Alto, we can observe in the clearing of the roof of one of the houses, 7 figures of angels, which were painted by the order of Blas de Bobadilla, who was the owner of the house. In addition, there are other figures that are worthy of being contemplated, but it is these first 7 paintings that steal our attention.
7.- SEVEN SNAKES
Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful streets of Cusco, formerly called Amaru Ccata, at the time of the Incas, is located in the small square of the Nazarenas, the stone walls of this street, are engraved in relief 7 pairs of snakes. Currently it is called the Street of the Mermaids, the snakes carved in the stone can be appreciated carefully, patience and good luck!
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