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Cusco Region

Coricancha

Inca temple with exquisite stone masonry

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Coricancha, located in Cusco, Peru, was the most significant temple within the Inca Empire, originally dedicated to the sun god Inti. The temple was renowned for its gold-plated walls and lavish decorations, including golden statues and offerings. The Inca utilized advanced ashlar masonry for its construction, showcasing their sophisticated craftsmanship and imperial power. Following the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, much of Coricancha was dismantled, and its stonework was repurposed to build the Convent of Santo Domingo. Despite this, the temple's original Inca stonework remains remarkably intact due to its precise construction. Today, Coricancha stands as a testament to Inca religious practices and architectural ingenuity, reflecting their cultural and astronomical significance.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Coricancha

FileCoricancha.JPG
FileCoricancha_during_Incaic_Period_digital_reconstruction..jpg
FileCoricancha_museum_marker_graphically_explaining_the_Inca_astronomical_system.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Burial and Funerary Structures

Tombs

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesCeremonial Platforms

Artistic and Decorative Features

StatuesMonuments

Astronomical and Timekeeping Structures

Observatories

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Cusco Region
Source
Wikipedia