Religious site
Coricancha
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Coricancha, meaning 'Golden Temple' in Quechua, was the religious heart of the Inca Empire, covered in gold sheets. After the Spanish conquest, the Dominicans built the Convent of Santo Domingo on top, preserving the remarkable Incan masonry. Visitors can see the precise stone walls that survived earthquakes, the curved wall of the Temple of the Sun, and the colonial cloisters with paintings depicting Inca history. The site offers a vivid contrast between Inca engineering and Spanish colonial art.
Don't miss
- Examine the flawless Incan stonework, including the famous curved wall of the Temple of the Sun.
- Explore the colonial convent's cloisters, which house a museum of Inca artifacts and religious art.
- Stand in the main courtyard to see how the Spanish structure incorporates the original Inca walls.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Coricancha
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inCusco: Cultural & Historic Walking Tour with Local Drinks4.9★ · 15 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$10 per personSee dates →
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