Temples & religious sites
Convent of Santo Domingo
Convent of Santo Domingo
This 17th-century Dominican convent is built directly atop the foundations of the Coricancha, the primary temple of the Inca Empire. Visitors go here to see the physical intersection of two eras: the precision-cut Inca stonework serves as the base for the Spanish Baroque architecture of the convent. The site includes cloisters and galleries displaying various Inca artifacts.
Getting There
The convent is located within the historic center of Cusco. From the Plaza de Armas, it is a short walk of approximately 10 to 15 minutes heading southeast.
Duration of Visit
Allow between 1 and 2 hours to walk through the cloisters and examine the remaining Inca walls and museum displays.
When to Visit
The site often gets crowded with tour groups during the midday peak. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon can reduce the number of people in the corridors. The dry season (May to October) is the most common time for visitors to explore the city.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, the convent can be combined with other nearby historical sites on foot:
- Coricancha (0.1km): The Inca temple ruins integrated into the site.
- Casa Concha (0.4km): A historic colonial building.
- Basilica of La Merced (0.5km): A prominent church in the city center.
- Church of the Society of Jesus (0.5km): Another example of colonial religious architecture.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors