Kalasasaya

building, Tiahuanaco, Bolivia

Also known as: Calasasaya

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Kalasasaya is a significant structure within the ancient Tiwanaku civilization ruins, located near Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. This rectangular enclosure is characterized by its construction of alternating tall stone columns and smaller rectangular blocks. A notable feature within Kalasasaya is the monolithic Gateway of the Sun, which is elaborately carved. Tiwanaku was a major pre-Columbian civilization, and its main site is recognized as a World Heritage site. The people who built Tiwanaku are believed to be the ancestors of the present-day Aymara Indians.1

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Tiwanaku
…rectangular enclosure known as the Kalasasaya, constructed of alternating tall stone columns and smaller rectangular blocks; and another enclosure known as the Palacio. A notable feature of the Kalasasaya is the monolithic Gateway of the Sun, which is adorned with the carved central figure of a staff-carrying Doorway God and…
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…rectangular enclosure known as the Kalasasaya, constructed of alternating tall stone columns and smaller rectangular blocks; and another enclosure known as the Palacio. A notable feature of the Kalasasaya is the monolithic Gateway of the Sun, which is adorned with the carved central figure of a staff-carrying Doorway God and…
Read More

pre-Columbian civilizations
The south highlands
…rectangular platform called Calasasaya (Kalasasaya), enclosed by a retaining wall of upright stones alternating with smaller rectangular blocks. In one corner of the platform stands a great monolithic doorway, not in its original position, cut from a large block of lava. At the top of the doorway is carved…
Read More
…rectangular platform called Calasasaya (Kalasasaya), enclosed by a retaining wall of upright stones alternating with smaller rectangular blocks. In one corner of the platform stands a great monolithic doorway, not in its original position, cut from a large block of lava. At the top of the doorway is carved…
Read More