Quote: A trip to Cusco is not complete without visiting the Temple of the Sun, once the most important temple of the Incas. ‘Coricancha’ (meaning ‘Golden Courtyard’) was covered in gold and silver sculptures during its heyday representing llamas, corn, babies, and the sun, all of which were melted down by the Spanish when they captured Cusco. Those that weren't melted down were given to pay the ransom for the captured Inca ruler Atahualpa. Unfortunately this proved to be blood money as Atahualpa was later murdered.

The Temple of the Sun was built during the reign of Inca Pachacutec and served predominantly as an astronomical observatory and repository for the realms treasure of gold and silver. When you look at the shape of Cusco, it can be seen that it looks remarkably like a puma, with the temple positioned as the animal’s loins, the centre of which all creation came from.

It is thought some 4,000 priests and their workers lived within the confines of the temple. In the centre of the complex sat a huge giant disc positioned to reflect the sun and bask the temple in light and heat. During the summer solstice the sunlight reflected into a niche in the wall, where only the wealthiest Inca’s were allowed to sit. The Temple of the Sun also served as a sacrificial temple where animals such as the llama, and also young virgins were sacrificed to appease the Gods. There is also evidence of tombs here, where it is thought some Inca royalty were laid to rest. When the temple past to the Dominicans, they used many of the stones from the temple to create the foundations for the Church of Santa Domingo, which today is one of Cusco's most striking imperial-colonial pieces of architecture.

It always amazes me how perfect the Inca masonry was, and this is still evident here where 40% of the original stonework can be seen, including earthquake proof trapezoidal doorways and exquisite carvings, which were incredibly built. I don't think from visiting the temple today you can grasp exactly how powerful this place once was, with cars rushing past on the main road outside.

Bilingual tours are available everyday, and this is included in your admission price. Admission is through the 'Boleto Turisitico' ticket, which costs approximately $25 and allows entrance to 15 other sites of interest in and around Cusco. Half day city tours of Cusco also take in the Temple of the Sun. These cost on average between $6 and $10, and is well worth the price as you get to see other Incan archaeological sites of interest including the Sacsayhuaman ruins overlooking Cusco. The temple is open Mon-Sat from 9am-5.30pm and on Sunday from 2pm-5pm. There is a small museum attached to the grounds of the temple containing a few artefacts that were found on the sight, including a little gold and silver, although there isn't really that much here to keep you for more than 30 minutes.
From journals Cusco City - On the Trail of the Incas