Qorikancha

In Quechua “Qorikancha” means “courtyard of gold” and was one of the architectural marvels of the Inca empire. It was considered the most important temple in the kingdom, dedicated to the worship of the sun. Located in the heart of the imperial capital Cusco, the site was constructed of granite, andesite and green diorite stone — materials that allow the construction of preternaturally straight walls. The Spanish razed the temple and built the Church of Santo Domingo on top of its foundation, but much of the complex, including its curved outer wall, remains intact.