Overview:

: Qorikancha, also known as Coricancha or Inti Kancha, is an Inca building found in the city of Cusco, Peru. It was once the most important temple in the city, dedicated to the worship of the sun god Inti. The temple was especially revered by the Inca people, as they believed that the sun was the creator of all life and the source of all fertility. The temple is now in ruins, but still stands today as a reminder of the importance of the Inca's religious beliefs and practices. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

Qorikancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, is one of the most renowned landmarks in Cusco, Peru. This exuberant temple of the Incan Empire was said to be the most important religious site during the Incan period and is located near the main square in Cusco. The architecture of the temple is unmatched in the Andes mountains and is believed to be the result of the Inca Pachacuti's beliefs. The stones used to build this temple were carefully selected and cut in such a way that allowed the sunlight to shine directly through the walls. Inside the temple, there were many objects of worship, and the walls were decorated with many frescoes. The temple was destroyed in 1535 when Spanish Conquistadors invaded Cusco. However, some of the stones used in the construction of the temple are still visible today, and many Incan stone carvings can still be seen on the walls. The temple is said to have been built as a representation of the Incan culture, with the sun being at the center of all things. Today Qorikancha is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the world, and it is a must-see site for anyone interested in the Incan Empire. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

Qorikancha, which translates to "Courtyard of Gold" in Quechua, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. It is located in historical center of Cusco, Peru. The site served as the sun temple of the Inca people,as well as a major ceremonial site for worship and pilgrimage. The temple was built before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The construction of Qorikancha is attributed to the Inca Pachacuti who, according to legend, ordered that the temple be built on the spot where an ancestor emerged from the ground on the longest day of the year. The temple was constructed of stone and set with a great quantity of gold and silver. It contained a huge gold disc representing the sun god Inti and was the most revered religious site in the empire. Priests, who studied the stars and seasons, lived within the temple walls and kept time by observing the movement of the sun. The temple was considered to be the point of the most perfect alignment between paradise and earth. The temple was sacked and plundered by the Spanish conquistadors upon their arrival and many of its precious artifacts were taken as booty. The temple was then destroyed and the foundations were used to build the Church of Santo Domingo in its place. Today, the remains of the Qorikancha are a testament to the incredible achievements of the Inca civilization. Although the original temple is now gone, various Inca ruins are still visible, including a section of the temple walls and a doorway. The site, which has been designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular destination for tourists and scholars who come to study and marvel at the sophistication of Inca architecture. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Built in the 15th century, the Qorikancha was an Incan temple dedicated to the sun god, Inti. 2. The Qorikancha was once covered in gold, earning it the name “Golden Enclosure” or “Golden Courtyard”. 3. The Incans believed the temple was a center of the universe. 4. It was the most important place of worship in the Incan Empire, and was considered sacred by the Incan people. 5. The Qorikancha was believed to be the place where the sun rose and set. 6. Inside the temple, there were shrines dedicated to the moon, stars, and other Incan gods. 7. The temple was also the site of human sacrifice, as the Incan people believed that the gods needed to be appeased by offering them human lives. 8. In 1533, Spanish conquistadors destroyed the temple during their conquest of the Incan Empire. 9. Today, the Qorikancha is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era