Microsoft Word ielts speaking Actual Tests (Sep Dec 2019) and Suggested Answers Version

19/ Describe a historical building you have visited.

You should say: where it was what it looked like what you learned there and explain why you visited this historical building
I’m going to talk about the majestic Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city tucked into (inside) the Andes Mountain range. More than 7,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. A symbol of the Incan Empire and built around 1450AD, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007! It was such a humbling experience!
I had always seen pictures of Machu Picchu and studied about its significance in school, but experiencing it in person made me realize that the pictures do it absolutely no justice (looks better in person). Upon arrival, you start to see intricate stone paths, walls, and buildings surrounded by mountain ranges, which frame the ancient city. There are irrigation systems and farming terraces extending down the mountains. Below it, there is fast-flowing river. You can tell they built this city intelligently! Furthermore, there are llamas throughout the structure, as well as tourists posing for selfies in every direction. The contrast between the bright green mountains with the stone city and agricultural terraces is truly breath-taking. On sunny days, you can see snow-capped mountain ranges even further in the distance!
In this incredible place, I did a tour to learn about the history of the Incas and the detailed work and planning that went into building this place. For example, I learned that they suppose Machu Picchu was built to house the aristocratic class and that it was abandoned after the Spanish conquest. Furthermore, I learned that the Incas worshiped the sun, and that they had technology way ahead of their time (advanced), which reflects in their stonework, irrigation system, farming system, etc.
As I had always been fascinated by the Incas, I decided to take this trip with my family to see it in person. I’m so glad I did! What a magnificent place it was.