zoom_in Click to enlarge

Coricancha

▲ ▼

description Coricancha Overview

The Coricancha served as the most important temple in the Inca Empire, located in Cusco, Peru. Constructed primarily of stone, it was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God, and housed significant religious artifacts. The site’s original complex was extensively altered with the addition of Santo Domingo Convent, creating a layered historical space. It remains a key archaeological landmark for historians, anthropologists, and those interested in Inca civilization and its relationship with later colonial influences.

help Coricancha FAQ

Where is the Coricancha temple located?

Coricancha is located in the city of Cusco, Peru, which was the historical capital of the Inca Empire. It sits in the heart of the modern city, surrounded by centuries of colonial architecture.

What was the primary purpose of Coricancha?

It served as the empire's principal and most sacred shrine, dedicated primarily to Inti, the sun god. The walls of the temple were once completely covered in sheets of solid gold, which were later looted by the Spanish.

What happened to the Coricancha temple after the Spanish conquest?

The Spanish conquistadors destroyed much of the original Inca temple and built the Church of Santo Domingo directly on top of its foundations. The colonial church still stands today atop the expertly crafted, earthquake-resistant Inca walls.

Why was Coricancha considered the center of the Inca Empire?

The temple was considered the spiritual and geographic center of Tawantinsuyu, the Inca name for their empire. From this point, imaginary lines known as ceques radiated outward to organize the empire's social and political landscape.

swap_horiz

Looking for Coricancha alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward