The impressive Mesa Verde National Park in the USA contains numerous centuries old Indian rock settlements including the remarkable Balcony House.

The climb to Balcony House has always been an arduous task and within the entire area of the Mesa Verde no other Indian pueblo settlement is as well preserved. The unique quality of its brickwork indicates the past presence of a highly developed community that probably lived here until the end of the 13th century.

For several centuries the forty-five rooms of Balcony House remained unoccupied and the families who had formerly inhabited them, the Anasazi Indians, left without a trace. The buildings have managed to survive due to the dry climate, the inaccessibility of their location and the nature of the materials used in their construction.

In contrast to the earlier culture of the Basket Weavers, discoveries from the Late Pueblo epoch indicate that the Anasazi had a strong sense of community and were not afraid to make contact with neighbouring tribes. The effect of these cultural exchanges is evident on the various images and patterns of their pottery.

Protected by mighty rock walls in the midst of magnificent and untouched canyons, the remains of this fascinating Pueblo culture have managed to survive the passage of time.