When the Spanish arrived in Peru, they wanted to defeat the Incas in every possible way, which included destroying the outstanding architecture.
This did not happen only in Cusco, but also further north; one of the best examples is Chan Chan, once one of the most important cities in the region. But back to the main point.
Coricancha was once the most remarkable structure in Cusco, known as the Temple of the Sun, and its roof was made of gold. The Spanish melted down the gold and built their church of Santo Domingo on the remains.
Today, we can see in Cusco this impressive building with an Inca base and the Spanish church on top of it.
Although today Coricancha (also often spelled as Koricancha or Qoricancha) and the Church of Santo Domingo are basically one building, they have two separate entrances.
The Coricancha tour costs S/.15, while access to the Church of Santo Domingo is S/.10.
Even if you settle for admiring the outside of the place, this stop on your Cusco itinerary is definitely worth it.
There is a garden near this place, so you can sit there and contemplate the history. We always like to imagine what it would have been like if the Spanish had not arrived.
No comment yet, add your voice below!