Balconies of Cusco

The balconies of Cusco are colonial balconies found in much of the city of Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru. These wooden balconies are dated mostly to the Spanish colonial era [1] and some to the early-Republican time.

Colonial balconies in Cusco

Colonial balconies in the Plaza del Cabildo of Cusco in 1877 by Ephraim George Squier.

These wooden constructions are located in the corners of colonial and republican palaces and convents of old streets. They are of Mudéjar and Baroque styles.

Some scholars note that the carved wooden balconies created a type of discreet enclosure to keep women hidden from view of people outside in the street. These balconies or windows, served to allow women to see out without being seen from the street.[1] They were derived from the Islamic Moorish tradition of keeping women out of the public eye.

Balconies are a typical colonial Peruvian feature, which were also built in numerous other colonial towns.