Qorikancha
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What people say
Sara Lemeire
" This beautiful temple can be known as Coricancha, Qoricancha, Qorikancha or Koricancha and it was one of the most important and most sacred temples of the Inca empire. Its ruins are located in Santo Domingo Plaza in Cusco. When the Spanish arrived in Cusco they destroyed most of Coricancha, and the Santo Domingo Church was built on the foundations and the remaining walls of the temple, preserving only a small part of its indigenous beauty. Coricancha was the center of Cusco, in more ways than just geographical. It was also the religious center, as a sacred place where appreciation was shown for Inti, the Inca Sun God. In fact, it was the only temple that existed only for religious ceremonies and was the most sacred temple of all the Incas. To enter the temple, worshippers needed to have been barefoot, fasting and carrying a heavy load upon their back as a sign of humility to the god. Many historians have written that once the Spanish arrived in Cusco they were blinded by its grandeur, every wall was covered with a layer of gold, and there were dieties everywhere to celebrate the different gods of the Inca Empire, such as a silver depiction of the Moon Godess. The concentration of the precious metals made the whole area shine. "
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Taylor Blair
Available for hire
"Visiting Qorikancha was a highlight of my time in Cusco. The intricate stonework and rich history of the site, originally the Temple of the Sun, were fascinating. I enjoyed exploring the blend of Inca and colonial architecture, particularly the Santo Domingo Church built on top of the temple. The peaceful gardens provided a lovely escape, making it a perfect spot to learn about Inca spirituality and culture while soaking in the beauty of the site!"
Tamara Knell
Available for hire
"This was the most important temple in the Inca empire. You can walk here from the city center and visit the museum or just hang outside the grassy area as its very aesthetic. "
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