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- Destinations
- South America
- Peru
- Cusco
- Coricancha Inca Ruins
Coricancha Inca Ruins
Coricancha is a Quechua word meaning 'Golden Courtyard', but the
Inca stonework is all that remains of the ancient Temple of the
Sun, which was the most important temple in the Inca Empire,
dedicated primarily to Inti, the Sun God. The walls and floors were
once covered in sheets of solid gold, and the courtyard was filled
with golden statues. Spanish reports tell of its opulence that was
'fabulous beyond belief'. The Church of Santo Domingo was built on
the site, using the ruined foundations of the temple that was
flattened by the gold-hungry Spanish in the 17th century, and is a
fine example of where Inca stonework has been incorporated into the
structure of a colonial building. Major earthquakes have severely
damaged the church, but the Inca stone walls, built out of huge,
tightly-interlocking blocks of stone, still stand as a testimony to
their superb architectural skills and sophisticated stone masonry.
Nearby is an underground archaeological site museum containing a
number of interesting pieces, including mummies, textiles and
sacred idols.
Information & Facts
Address
Pampa del Castillo at Plazoleta Santo Domingo
Admission
Language
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages, but many
other dialects are spoken. English is spoken only in major tourist
centres and hotels.
Money
The official currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN) divided into 100
céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all
major international credit cards, including Diners Club and
MasterCard, are accepted in many, but not all, establishments.
Outside Lima facilities may be more limited. Travellers cheques may
also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and
travellers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the
easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and
shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment.
Casas de cambio(exchange bureaux) often give better rates
than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist
circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday, 8am-5pm; Sunday
2pm-5pm.
Time