The Temple of the Sun, also known as Qoricancha, is an ancient Incan temple located in on the Avenida del Sol in Cusco, in the middle of the town. The temple was considered to be one of the most important religious and administrative centers of the Inca Empire. The temple was dedicated to the worship of Inti, the Incan sun god, and it was one of most important temple in the Incan empire.
The temple of the Sun was built using advanced Incan architectural techniques, and the walls were lined with sheets of gold, which gave the temple its name, Qoricancha (meaning "Golden Enclosure" in the Quechua language). The temple also contained a garden, a sundial, and a large courtyard, which was used for religious ceremonies and other important events.
After the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, the temple was destroyed and the gold was plundered. Today, the temple's remains are still visible, and you can see the impressive stonework of the temple's walls and the foundations of its buildings. The temple is open to visitors daily, and it is recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
A visit to the Temple of the Sun is included in the Cusco City Tour. The guides will provide more information about the history and significance of the temple. You can also visit the adjacent Convent of Santo Domingo, which was built on top of the ruins.
Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha