Qorikancha (Coricancha) Temple of the Sun
The Qoricancha, was also the most important temple of the entire Inca Empire more than 500 years ago, Qoricancha literally means “place of gold or golden cabinet”. It was dedicated to the god Viracocha who was mainly the creator of the sun, the stars, earth and the univers.
Learn more about this important Inca temple.
Qoricancha history
This temple is locally known as Coricancha, Qoricancha, Qorikancha or Koricancha , it was one of the most important and most sacred temples in Inca times. Qorikancha or whatever you want to call it, means “Golden Temple” in Quechua.
This temple was certainly one of the most sacred temples of all time since almost all of its walls were once completely covered with gold plates. For this reason, the Spanish conquistadors looted the temple to obtain the gold.
It is believed that the Sun temple was built around 1200 long before the government of the Inca Pachacutec and before Machu Picchu was built.
Its name was originally IntiWasi with Inti meaning sun and Wasi meaning house which once it was managed by the Inca Pachacutec (who eventually restructured the temple and covered it in gold) was changed to Koricancha.
You should know that the temple is currently inside the convent of Santo Domingo, which was built during the Spanish conquest, who also built a church by demolishing a large part of the original Inca temple.
Main Attractions of Coricancha
Temple of the sun
The temple of the sun, was certainly the most important temple in the Qoricancha and occupied more than half the width of the current Santo Domingo Church which stands in its place today.
The temple of the sun held the mummies of the previous rulers which were placed inside the niches in fetal position as well as idols belonging to tribes conquered by the Incas during the expansion of the Inca empire.
The Temple of the Moon
The temple of the moon, another important temple after the temple of the sun. The Incas also got lunar observations to predict the future, the moon was seen as god also to the Incas this is why they also built sacred monuments since she was the sister and wife of Inti, daughter of Viracocha.
It is believed that inside the temple of the moon the mummies of the wives of the rulers were kept. Unfortunately, the temple of the moon was not the exception during the destruction of the Spaniards to build the church, which is why a large part of it was demolished.
The Temple of Venus and the Stars
They were considered as divinities. In the temple of the stars, you can observe a ceremonial niche with orifices, works made in bas-relief and llama bones remains, this niche is located in direct relation to the sunrise in the Winter Solstice.
Rainbow temple
The rainbow was related to fertility was and still is one of the most important deities within the Inca beliefs.
The Incas had a great respect for the rainbow because it was an important element in agricultural activities, which is why they decided to build a temple in Coricancha for its veneration.
Its walls were also torn down by the Spaniards for the construction of the present Santo Domingo convent but once like all the walls of the temple it was also covered with sheets of gold.
The Solar Garden
The solar garden was a sacred place where according to some Spanish chronicles it was possible to find gold and silver statues of animals, flowers and people in real size.
During the looting the Spaniards took all the gold they could find which was then melted down to be taken to Spain by ship.
Santo Domingo Church
The temple of Santo Domingo was built on a large part of the temple of Qoricancha, exactly on the area which was gifted to Francisco Pizarro’s brother in 1534 (Juan Pizarro). HE left the temple to the Dominicans; in whose hands it remains at present.
In addition, the church was built with the purpose of evangelizing but also to impose its power over the Inca religion as a victory of Christianity over the Incas.
opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:30a.m.-5:30p.m. Sundays and holidays: 2p.m.-5p.m
Tickets: In order to visit the Koricancha, it is necessary to buy a ticket, the cost of the ticket is 10 soles and can only be purchased at the same place in cash.
