Qorikancha: Exploring Cusco’s Iconic Inca Temple

The Rich History Of Qorikancha

First built by the ancient Inca civilization back in the 12th century, Qorikancha was their most sacred temple – dedicated to the Sun God of Inti. For both its purpose and symbolic nature, the temple was covered in solid gold and silver, and underwent further expansions and decorative upgrades under the ruling of Emperor Pachacútec. As well as a hub of worship, Qorikancha also served as an astronomical center for the Inca.

When the Spanish Empire arrived and conquered the city, much of the gold and silver was looted and melted down, while the new Church and Convent of Santo Domingo was built directly on top of the original foundations. Despite attempting to hide the original site, many prominent earthquakes (especially those of 1650 and 1950) destroyed much of the new convent – however the ancient walls of Qorikancha remained standing.

The Main Attractions Of Qorikancha Temple

There are many worthwhile structures and artefacts to keep an eye out for during your visit to Qorikancha, which we’ll now list in no particular order below.

Temple Of The Sun

This was the original ruins built to worship the Inca Sun God of Inti, and was the most important of all pre-colonial construction here. It was once covered in solid gold, and its foundations still lie strong despite several major earthquakes.

Solar Garden

The large garden that lies outside of Qorikancha, it’s viewable from both the temple and streets outside. Beautifully preserved and great to enjoy a relaxing stroll around, this area was once home to numerous gold statues of Andean fauna and flora.

Original Inca Stonework

On the ground floor (where the ruins first laid), we can still see many original Inca stonework that made up the first temple. Perfectly fitted together without adhesive – and also standing the test of time – it’s a great example of the Inca’s ingenuity and ability to create impressive structures long before their time.

Santo Domingo Church

The new convent built by the Spanish civilisation, the Santo Domingo Church showcases an incredible selection of religious paintings, as well as colonial architecture that can be found in many plazas and narrow pedestrian streets around Cusco. This alone makes it one of the very best attractions to see in Cusco during your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Qorikancha

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about Qorikancha temple, as well as anything else important that you need to know before visiting.

Is Qorikancha Worth Visiting?

Yes – Qorikancha is one of the very best sites to see when in Cusco – and should be a staple on all tourists lists. Considered to be one of the most important temples to the Inca civilization, we can still find ancient remnants inside despite the Spanish having claimed and restructured it. This means we can get a deep insight into both the Inca and Spanish Empire and their unique ways while exploring the temple.

What Did The Spanish Do To Qorikancha?

Before the Spanish Empire arrived, Qorikancha was a focal spiritual place for the Inca – and was once covered in gold and silver. Upon arrival, the Spanish stripped all precious metals and artefacts, melting them down and transporting the fine materials back to Spain. After destroying much of the original temple, they then built the new Church and Convent of Santo Domingo on top of the foundations.

How Much Does It Cost To Go To Qorikancha?

At this time of writing, the entrance cost for both Qorikancha and the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo is 15 Soles – which is about $3 USD. Both are included in the same ticket, given the original foundations are located within the new temple walls. Please note that this is just the entry cost, and hiring a private guide around the site will cost more depending on how big your group is, and if you want to further tailor the experience.

Overview Of Qorikancha Temple In Cusco

And that’s all for this guide on why you should visit Qorikancha temple in Cusco.

Famed for its important historical significance, this site was once the beating spiritual heart of the ancient Inca civilization. Although much of its original features and materials had been stripped during the Spanish conquest, we can still see the original foundations – as well as the newer convent, paintings and other artefacts brought over after it was conquered.

Looking for an expert guided tour around both Qorikancha and the rest of Cusco? Here at AB Expeditions we operate an unforgettable Cusco day tour, which combines sites like Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, the Plaza de Armas and much more!