The archaeological site of Samaipata consists of two parts: the hill with its many carvings, believed to have been the ceremonial centre of the old town (14th–16th centuries), and the area to the south of the hill, which formed the administrative and residential district. The huge sculptured rock, dominating the town below, is a unique testimony to pre-Hispanic traditions and beliefs, and has no parallel anywhere in the Americas.
Criteria for inclusion as a World Heritage Site
| # | ||
|---|---|---|
| ii | To exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design. | All |
| iii | To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared. | All |
Nearby
Sites
| Name | Since | Distance | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torotoro National Park Dinosaur Footprints | 2019 | 208.2km | site_ao | ||
| Mission Church of San Xavier | 2018 | 252.3km | site_ao | ||
| Historic City of Sucre | 1991 | 180.6km | site_whs | ||
| City of Potosí | 1987 | 257.5km | site_whs |
About the source: UNESCO
Within UNESCO's broad remit, this specialised agency of the UN works towards international cooperation agreements to secure the world's cultural and natural heritage, designating venues of exceptional value as World Heritage Sites.