Project for the Archaeological Park of Chan Chan, Peru

Chan Chan (Trujillo, Perù), the political, religious and administrative capital of the Chimu empire (2nd - 15th sec. A.D.), represents the largest pre-Columbian settlement built in adobe and since 1986 is inscribed in the UNESCO WHL. The Italian Mission in Perù of CNR- ITABC has been working in Chan Chan since 2002 in collaboration with the Ministerio de Cultura of Perù and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the study and documentation of the archaeological site. During the last years the Italian Mission has started the project for the Archaeological Park of Chan Chan with the objectives to counter the uncontrolled urban development of the near Trujillo, to improve the visit of the archaeological complex and its territory and to develop the social and economic conditions of the local population by the organic development of the handicraft and touristic sectors. Once defined the boundaries and the respective zoning of the archaeological areas and of the buffer zone by mean of satellite images, we have started the photogrammetric and laser scanner 3D documentation of the main architectural typologies and the design of touristic itineraries. In order to allow the knowledge of the vast archaeological site, we are planning a virtual pre-visit to be shown in the local museum followed by the real acquaintance of the complex along pre-established itineraries to be explored with the help of environmentally friendly means of transport.