Qorikancha: The Inca Temple of the Sun

Описание: Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, was the most important religious site in the Inca Empire and the spiritual center of Cusco. Built in the 15th century during the reign of Pachacuti, Qorikancha was dedicated to Inti, the Inca Sun God, and contained chambers devoted to the Sun, Moon, stars, and other celestial bodies.
According to Spanish chroniclers, the interior walls of Qorikancha were once covered in large sheets of gold, reinforcing its role as the most sacred temple in the empire. Following the Spanish conquest of Cusco in 1533, the gold was removed, and the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo were deliberately built on top of the Inca temple. Portions of Qorikancha were preserved intentionally as a visible demonstration of Spanish and Christian dominance over Inca religion.
This video explores the surviving Inca stonework, interior chambers, sacred garden, and views from the Santo Domingo bell tower, while explaining the historical, religious, and political significance of Qorikancha. It also examines Inca ashlar masonry and why Inca foundations survived repeated earthquakes that damaged the colonial structures above them.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:35 The Exterior of Qoricancha
1:53 Inside the Complex: The Surviving Inca Chambers
2:15 Model of Qoricancha
2:56 The Sacred Garden
4:25 The Original Inca Curved Wall
5:16 Inca Chambers from the Above
5:53 From the Top of the Bell Tower

📍 Cusco, Peru
🏛️ Inca religion and architecture
✝️ Spanish conquest and colonial transformation
This is a factual walkthrough of one of the most important archaeological and historical sites in the Andes.