UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Coricancha
Peru

Coricancha

Inca temple with exquisite stone masonry

Location

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Historical Context

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.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileCoricancha.JPG
FileCoricancha_during_Incaic_Period_digital_reconstruction..jpg
FileCoricancha_museum_marker_graphically_explaining_the_Inca_astronomical_system.jpg
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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Rebuilding by Pachakutiq Inca Yupanqui

1438 CE

Destruction and Construction by Spanish

1650 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Tombs
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesCeremonial Platforms
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

StatuesMonuments
category

Astronomical and Timekeeping Structures

Observatories
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

Details

Country

Peru

Coordinates

-13.52° N, -71.98° E