Meaning of Qoricancha: Why did it shine so much?

The name Qoricancha comes from Quechua, where "Quri" means gold and "Kancha" means temple or enclosure. That’s why it’s known in Spanish as the “golden temple.” It also has different spellings like Koricancha or Qurikancha.

On the other hand, it is also called “Intiqwasin,” where “Intiq” means sun and “wasin” means home, making it the “house of the sun.”

The Incas built it as a temple for the god Inti in the Hanan Pacha. Gold plates covered the edges of Qoricancha’s walls. The temple was so sacred that people had to enter barefoot, with their heads lowered, and fasting.

The Patio of Gold

In the “golden patio,” there are six rectangular rooms made with finely carved stone blocks. Side walls surrounded this sacred place.

The most sacred part of the Sun Temple is the curved wall, which you’ll notice as soon as you see Qoricancha. This is according to Garcilaso de la Vega. The Incas used wood covered with straw for the roof. Also, all four walls of the temple were decorated with gold sheets.

History of Qoricancha

During the time of the Incas, Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui ordered the construction of Qoricancha in 1438. Later, they remodeled it, and the leader ordered it to be decorated with gold. This is why it was known as the "Golden Temple" or "Palace of Gold."

In 1553, when the Spanish invasion arrived, they turned Qoricancha into a Catholic worship center. The Dominicans, led by Friar Juan de Olías, built the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo on top of the Inca temple’s base. In 1560, the Inca construction was still standing and was used as a church. However, in 1610, the temple was transformed into a mixed-style church, known as Cusco Baroque.

Its construction took a long time, and it was officially consecrated in 1633.

Earthquakes

An earthquake in 1650 badly damaged the temple, and the rebuilding was completed in 1681, remaining intact until 1950.

In the Republican era, Cusco experienced several earthquakes over the years due to the Tambomachay fault, about 3 km from Cusco. Two quakes damaged some structures in 1650, and in 1744, an earthquake brought down part of the city, affecting the cloister of Santo Domingo. In 1950, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake destroyed much of the buildings, including Qoricancha-Santo Domingo. Colonial buildings fell, revealing the Inca walls underneath.

This event split Cusco’s society: a group of indigenous intellectuals, led by Luis E. Valcárcel, wanted to honor the Andean ruins, while the Dominican leaders wanted to rebuild the convent and colonial church.

The dispute reached the Congress of the Republic during the government of Manuel Odría. In the end, the lack of resources to demolish the colonial remains and restore the Temple of the Sun led to an agreement to preserve both.

Today, Qoricancha perfectly combines Inca and colonial architecture with the Santo Domingo convent. It is a must-see tourist attraction in Cusco, along with other sites like the Cathedral, the Twelve-Angle Stone, Sacsayhuamán, and more.

Where is Qoricancha?

You can find Qoricancha in the city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, in southeastern Peru. The exact location is at the corner of “El Sol” Avenue and “Santo Domingo” Street, 3,398 meters above sea level. It sits on a terrace shaped by rain. Also, it lies between the Tullumayu and Huatanay rivers, now known as Tullumayu Avenue and El Sol Avenue.

Explore the Main Attractions of the Qoricancha Temple

Temple of the Sun

This space is dedicated to the Sun god. A central niche held his image, surrounded by golden mummies of ancient Inca rulers. The walls were covered in gold, highlighting the sacred nature of this area.

Temple of the Moon

This temple honors Mama Killa, the Moon goddess and wife of the Sun. Its walls are decorated with silver, representing the Moon as the mother of the Incas. It is believed that the mummies of rulers’ wives were kept here.

Temple of Venus and the Stars

Dedicated to Venus and other stars, this area was significant for its size and role in observing celestial bodies, which were vital to the Inca worldview.

Temple of the Rainbow

This temple is dedicated to Kuychi, the god of the Rainbow. It has multiple entrances and niches, with interiors painted in vibrant colors that symbolize the importance of the rainbow in Inca beliefs.

Sacrifice Zone

In the center of this open area lies a large flat stone used as an altar for sacrifices and offerings. Ceremonies were held here to honor the gods, showing the deep devotion of Inca culture.

Temple of Lightning

Dedicated to Illapa, the god of Lightning, this temple has three entrances, niches, and windows. Rituals were performed here to honor thunder and lightning, powerful elements in Inca beliefs.

Meeting Halls

These rectangular spaces were where the Incas met with the high priest, the Willaq Umu, to plan ceremonies. These halls were important gathering places in their religious tradition.

Curved Wall

This wall, with a curve of over 90°, showcases the Incas’ skill in stone construction. Although part of it was lost to later construction, its complexity is still visible.

Milky Way

For the Incas, the Milky Way was a sacred river called Yana Phuyu. In the night sky, they saw figures like a llama, a red-eyed fox, a partridge, a toad, and a serpent. These constellations connected to their myths and legends.

Canchas

The canchas were spaces where the Incas worshiped the Sun and other deities. Important ceremonies were held here, reflecting the Incas’ spiritual connection.

Sacred Gardens

Located on the terraces surrounding the temple, these gardens held life-sized plants and fruits made of gold and silver, showing the wealth and symbolism of the Incas.

Inca Fountain

This fountain sits on a platform and has a water channel that splits into two. It reflects the Incas' expertise in water management, a key aspect of their culture and architecture.

The Sun Festival or Inti Raymi Starts Here

Inti Raymi is the Festival of the Sun, a celebration in honor of the god Inti. The Incas held it each year on June 21, during the winter solstice. The Inca Pachacútec created this ceremony in 1430 B.C. to thank the Sun god for life and the harvest.

Today, Inti Raymi is celebrated every June 24. First, the ceremony begins at Qoricancha, the main temple. Then, people move to Huacaypata Square, known today as the Plaza de Armas. Finally, the festival ends at Saqsayhuamán, where dances and rituals are performed to honor the Sun god.

Qoricancha Museum

The Qoricancha Museum has five rooms where you can explore the fascinating history and ingenuity of the ancient people who lived in this part of the world. From pre-Inca times to the colonial era, each room reveals secrets uncovered during excavations at Qoricancha.

You’ll see ceramic pieces, war tools, and handwoven mantles that tell the story of a people deeply connected to nature.

You’ll also find ceremonial vessels, shell ornaments, and real mummies waiting for you. But it’s not just about what’s in the displays. Informative panels share stories about the daily life of the Incas: how they worked, worshipped their gods, and faced their enemies.

Tips Before Visiting Qoricancha

If you plan to visit Qoricancha, here are some helpful tips:

• Stay hydrated and adjust to the altitude before starting your tour to avoid discomfort.
• Choose the best time of day for your visit so you can enjoy the temple during quieter hours.
• Buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines and save time.
• Consider hiring a guide. A good guide can explain the history, architecture, and symbolism of the temple.
• Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing. Bring a jacket to stay warm.
• Show respect. Avoid loud noises, as Qoricancha is a sacred place.
• Follow all signs and rules. This helps ensure a peaceful and safe visit.
• Visit the site museum to better understand the history and context of Qoricancha.
• Explore nearby sites. You’re in Cusco, a city full of history and culture.