Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun
The most important temple of the Inca culture was Qoricancha, a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of their main god, the Sun. During the colonial period, the site was transformed, and it is still known today as the Convento Santo Domingo. The place still preserves the foundations and some important structures from the time of the Tahuantinsuyo. Discover more about Qoricancha and be sure to visit it during your trip to Cusco.
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Importance of Qoricancha
Qoricancha Temple
Qoricancha, whose Quechua name means “Golden Enclosure”, was the most important religious center of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire. The place was dedicated to the Sun god “Inti” and many other deities of great importance to the Incas: the moon, the stars, the rainbow, the lightning, among others.
Its original name was Inticancha (Enclosure of the Sun), which was built during the reign of the Inca Wiracocha in the 13th century and later expanded by Pachacútec in the 15th century.
During the 16th century, during the Spanish invasion, Qoricancha was looted and much of it destroyed to build the church and convent of Santo Domingo on top. The site still stands today on Inca foundations.
Qoricancha survived three major earthquakes (1650, 1749, and 1950) with minimal damage, unlike the colonial temple, which was largely destroyed. When the last reconstruction was carried out (1956), preference was given to exposing the Inca walls that had been covered by the temple. As a first impression when visiting, you will be amazed by its impressive walls.
| Temporal Comparison of Qoricancha | ||
|---|---|---|
| Characteristic | Inca Period | Colonial Period |
| Name | Qoricancha (Golden Enclosure) | Convento de Santo Domingo |
| Function | Main religious and ceremonial site of Tahuantinsuyo | Convent and Catholic temple |
| Deity Worshipped | Inti (Sun God) and other Andean deities | Christian God |
| Architecture | Finely worked and assembled stone walls | Adobe and stone constructions on Inca foundations |
| Cultural Significance | Main temple of the Inca Empire | Symbol of the evangelization process |
| Current State | Preserved archaeological remains | Active convent and museum |
What to see at Qoricancha?
Sacred Enclosures of Qoricancha
When visiting Qoricancha, you will appreciate a unique combination of Inca and colonial architecture, as well as much art and symbolic constructions. Among the most notable features are:
- Enclosure of the Sun: This sacred site once occupied nearly half the width of the current Santo Domingo church. It was entirely covered in gold and had an impressive solar figure. Today, you can only walk through some remnants of this place, which still holds the energy and mysticism of the past.
- Sacred Enclosures: The main attractions at Qoricancha are the sacred enclosures dedicated to each of its principal deities, such as: the Enclosure of the Stars, the Enclosure of the Moon, the Enclosure of Lightning, and the Enclosure of Sacrifices.
- Sacred Gardens: This area once contained plants and animals made of gold. Today, you will walk through gardens with stunning views next to the convent. You will also get a closer look at the Inca walls that support this impressive place.
- Ceremonial Fountain: Located in the middle of a colonial square, this fountain is associated with ceremonial and ritual uses from the Inca period. When visiting, you will also see colonial portals and some artistic paintings around the area.
- Convento de Santo Domingo: This museum is located next to Qoricancha and is distributed across three permanent exhibition rooms and two temporary exhibition rooms. It also has a collection of viceroyal art, including paintings, clothing, and liturgical objects, as well as contemporary art pieces.
💡 Qoricancha Site Museum
To complete your visit to the Qoricancha archaeological site and the Convento de Santo Domingo, we also recommend visiting the Qoricancha site museum, located beneath the main esplanade with direct access from Av. El Sol. This museum features five rooms displaying a collection of archaeological objects found on-site, such as lithic, ceramic, and metallurgical artifacts, as well as cranial trepanations and mummies. You can also view models of what Qoricancha looked like during the Inca period.
| Main Features of Qoricancha | |
|---|---|
| Aspect | Description |
| Current Name | Qoricancha – Convento de Santo Domingo |
| Location | Historic center of Cusco, between the intersection of Av. El Sol and Santo Domingo street |
| Type of Attraction | Archaeological site, historical site, and museum |
| Conservation Status | Good, with preserved Inca and colonial structures |
| Architecture | Original Inca walls and colonial buildings |
| Accessibility | Easy access on foot from Plaza de Armas |
| Entry | Ticket purchased at the entrance |
| Average Duration | 45 minutes to 1 hour tour |
| Tourist Traffic | High, especially during peak season |
How to visit Qoricancha?
Interior of Convento de Santo Domingo
- Qoricancha is located in the historic center of Cusco, just a few minutes’ walk from Plaza de Armas, making it a very accessible visit.
- Its hours of operation are Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Sundays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Tickets are purchased directly at the Qoricancha entrance.
- The ideal visit to Qoricancha is part of the City Tour of Cusco, which includes a professional guide to explore each of the historical structures in detail.
- If you want a complete experience with all the details and infrastructure of the site, we recommend first visiting Qoricancha, then the site museum, and finally Convento Santo Domingo.
💡 What does the City Tour of Cusco include?
Visiting Qoricancha is part of the City Tour of Cusco. This tour includes full tourist transportation, a professional guide, and entry to the most important and historic sites in the city, such as: the Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. It is a 5-hour experience, which you can enjoy in the morning or afternoon, complementing any of your Cusco explorations.