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Qorikancha—The Temple of the Sun

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Cuzco—a city in southern Peru—definitely has a lot to offer its visitors. Besides the nearby archaeological site of Machu Picchu, the Plaza de Armas, and the monumental cathedral, be sure not to miss the most significant Inca temple, Qorikancha.

Step back over 800 years and experience the atmosphere of a fascinating temple considered one of the most sacred places in the Inca Empire.

History of the Temple of the Sun in Peru

The Incas built the temple in 1200 AD, and it was dedicated to the Sun god, Inti. Its name translates to “Golden Courtyard” because it was originally covered in gold plates and adorned with golden statues.

As mentioned, it was the most important religious temple in Cuzco. Qorikancha was even the site where the highest figures of the Inca hierarchy gathered to worship the Sun god. The Incas built other temples in the area, but no remains of those have survived.

In addition to being a temple, Qorikancha also served as an astronomical observatory, where constellations were observed. The Incas possessed highly advanced knowledge of astronomy, and their observations of celestial bodies played a key role in their religious and daily life. At Qorikancha, they performed astronomical calculations that determined important events such as solstices, equinoxes, and other significant astronomical phenomena.

In 1532, the Spanish conquered Cuzco and tore down the entire temple. They built the Santo Domingo convent on its foundations. This act was part of their effort to Christianize and culturally dominate the local population. You might wonder what happened to the golden decorations. The Spanish melted the gold down to finance their armies.

Qorikancha Today

It’s clear that during your visit, you won’t be admiring the lavish gold decorations or the original statues adorned with precious stones, as in the time of the Incas. Today, you can marvel at the remains of the Incan stone walls, the Santo Domingo monastery, and the museum.

Good to Know Before Your Visit

Planning to visit the Temple of the Sun in Cusco, Peru? Here are some useful details:

  • Location: The temple is located just a few blocks south of Plaza de Armas in the historic center of Cusco.
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The site is closed on Sundays.
  • Tickets: Adults—15 soles (5 USD), students—8 soles (3 USD), children under 10 years old have free entry.
  • Visit Duration: 1-2 hours, depending on how thoroughly you want to explore the different areas of the site.

What Other Places to Visit in Cusco?

Since a visit to Qorikancha doesn’t take the whole day, here are some suggestions for other historical landmarks in Cusco:

  • Plaza de Armas: Qorikancha is located on Plaza de Armas, so you have the perfect opportunity to explore the square as well.
  • Cusco Cathedral: The cathedral is located on Plaza de Armas and is known for its blend of Spanish and Inca architecture.
  • Sacsayhuamán: An Inca fortress located on the hill above Cusco.

Tip: Cusco has much more to offer—explore other sites you can visit in the city.

Follow the Footsteps of Inca History

If you’re a fan of Inca history, then not only the Temple of the Sun but all of Cusco will be a true treasure for you. The city, which was once the main center of the Inca Empire, is full of fascinating landmarks that will transport you back to the time of the ancient empire.

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