Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun
Qoricancha: In some moments of the trip to Peru we did with Sparrow Explorer, especially in Cusco, we had the feeling that the Spaniards especially grace we fell in those lands. The misdeeds of our ancestors in the New World were appalling and during the trip we saw the effects that had those vile and greedy acts.
As I tell this to you say that at all times we were treated wonderfully in Peru, although I find this somewhat irrational San Benito hang us all Spaniards by the shameful and reprehensible facts conquerors over 500 years ago made.
Perhaps the sun temple one of the clearest of which resulted in the conquest of the Incas can be seen today in the Qorikancha of Cusco examples. This is one of the essential cultural visits if you travel to this Andean city, which housed the richest temple of the Inca Empire. In addition, entry only costs 10 soles (less than 3 euros).
And I say that now housed the Inca ruins have become the foundation of a colonial church and convent of Santo Domingo. The mixture is strange, but very pleasing to the eye and gives it a special charm.
As we told our excellent guide Dagmar, the Qorikancha of Cusco was covered in gold everywhere, but the Spaniards looted everything and left not a single specimen of that opulence.
He was also one of the most important ceremonial sites of the Inca Empire, since in the Qorikancha of Cusco the Inca mummies of the deceased, that is, of the noblest representatives of Tahuantinsuyo were found. Dagmar hear about the Incas was a blast.
Thanks to his passion and his words learned that the mummies were taken in procession and were offered food and drink to remember his greatness. As you can imagine, these mummies were later replaced by saints.
As for the current Qorikancha, say that is really beautiful. Its walls are lined with colonial artworks of Peru, but can not be photographed. The inner courtyard and arcade Convent of Santo Domingo is a marvel.
However, what impresses the Qorikancha of Cusco are the foundations and outer walls of more than 6 meters high. The way in which the Incas worked the stone left us speechless. Then we would see more samples in Sacsayhuaman, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, but it was there where we started to understand what excellent architects and builders who were the Incas.
To give you an idea, they carried huge boulders from the mountains and then worked individually. They were carved on the basis of which it had around to mate perfectly. So they managed to withstand centuries of earthquakes and invasions.
I highly recommend a visit to Qorikancha of Cusco recommend. Of course, doing an exercise of imagination that you fantasize of his face that put Francisco Pizarro to see those walls filled with gold and jewels.
History of Coricancha (Temple of the Sun)
Qoricancha is an archaeological site located in Cusco, Peru. It was one of the most important religious and political centers of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the worship of the sun god Inti. The name Qoricancha comes from the Quechua words “quri” (gold) and “kancha” (enclosure), which means “the enclosure of gold.”
The site consists of a complex of buildings, including temples, courtyards, and living quarters, all constructed with finely cut stone blocks. The most impressive feature of Qoricancha is temple of the sun, which was covered in gold and silver sheets and adorned with precious stones.
Qoricancha was considered one of the most sacred places in the Inca Empire and was a hub for religious ceremonies and astronomical observations. It was also an important center of learning, housing a library and serving as a place of study for the elite members of Inca society.
After the Spanish conquest of Peru, the site was partially destroyed, and many of its treasures were looted. The conquistadors built a colonial church, the Church of Santo Domingo, on top of the original Inca structure, which still stands today.
Qoricancha is now a popular tourist destination and a significant archaeological site that offers insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Inca civilization.
Coricancha or the Sun Temple (Coricancha Temple)
The Temple of the Sun, also known as “Qoricancha” or “Koricancha,” is a significant historical and archaeological site located in Cusco, Peru. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Temple of the Sun is one of the most important religious and cultural centers of the Inca civilization.
The term “Qoricancha” comes from the Quechua language, where “qori” means “gold” and “kancha” means “enclosure” or “enclosed area.” This name reflects the temple’s reputation for being one of the most opulent and revered places in the Inca Empire.
The Temple of the Sun was dedicated to Inti, the Inca sun god, who was a central deity in their religious beliefs. Inti was believed to be the ancestor of the Inca rulers, and his worship played a vital role in legitimizing their authority.
The temple complex was constructed using exquisite Inca stonework and was adorned with elaborate gold decorations and precious stones, making it a breathtaking display of the Inca Empire’s wealth and architectural prowess. The walls were covered with sheets of gold, and inside the temple, there was a large golden disc that represented the sun.
After the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Peru in the 16th century, the Temple of the Sun was partially destroyed, and a Dominican church, the Church of Santo Domingo, was built on top of the original Inca structure. Despite the destruction, some parts of the original temple still stand, and visitors can see the impressive Inca stonework and engineering.
Today, Qoricancha is a popular tourist attraction in Cusco, offering visitors a unique blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. It serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the region and the remarkable achievements of the Inca civilization.
