Tierradentro World Heritage Site

Tierradentro underground tombs
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tumba_decorada_en_Tierradentro3.JPG
Author: Aliman5040


Tierradentro is an archaeological park in the Department of Cauca in Colombia. It is famous for its hypogea, or underground tombs, that dates back to pre-Columbian period. Among the archaeological sites in Tierradentro are Alto del Aguacate (or Avocado Hill), Alto de San Andrés, Alto de Segovia, Alto del Duende and El Tablón.

The underground burial chambers usually has its entrance facing west. A spiral staircase leads down to a main chamber which is some 5 to 8 meters below ground. The walls of the burial chamber is painted with patterns and geometric designs.

The underground burial chambers of Tierradentro are believed to date back to the 6th to 9th centuries AD. To a certain extend, they bear similarities to the burial chambers at San Agustín.

The National Archaeological Park of Tierradentro was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 19th session of the World Heritage Committee which was held in Berlin, Germany, on 4-9 December, 1995.

Tierradentro funerary urns
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:S2010284_urnas_funerarias.jpg
Author: Nelsonc

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N 2 35 W 76 2 in Cauca, in the municipality of Inza
Inscription Year: 1995
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: III

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