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INCA PALACES IN CUSCO

INCA PALACES IN CUSCO

The Inca palaces that used to be erected in the middle of the capital of the Inca civilization were as sign of the once most powerful and influential in South America. Their political and military might was so great that its impact endures in the Andes region even today, over 500 centuries after the Spanish conquest.

This enduring Inca legacy is most visible in the city of Cusco, which served as the heart of the ancient empire. During the 16th century, Cusco underwent restoration work and saw the construction of lavish inca palaces and temples, some even adorned with gold.

Around Cusco’s central Plaza de Armas, high-ranking inca palaces and temples were erected. These structures exemplify the sublime Inca architectural style. The Incas employed advanced building techniques adapted to Cusco’s topography and geographical features.

Cusco's downtown holds remains of many of the Inca Palaces that used to be placed here.
Cusco’s downtown holds remains of many of the Inca Palaces that used to be placed around here.

The intricate Inca stone walls also demand attention. While largely unadorned, the stonework features precisely carved and tightly interlocked blocks. Here are details on some of the most significant Inca constructions:

Qasana

This compound formerly housed Pachacutec, the Inca emperor who initiated the empire’s expansion. During his reign, Cusco’s remodeling began, and he ordered the construction of famous sites like Machu Picchu.

Unsurprisingly, his palace was among the most opulent. After the Spanish arrival, it passed to Francisco Pizarro. Today only foundations remain on the former inca palace grounds, now occupied by hotels, bars and restaurants.

Pachacutec's temple was replaced by the series of colonial buildings on the right.
Pachacutec’s temple was replaced by the series of colonial buildings on the right.

Qoraqora

Situated beside Qasana facing the Plaza de Armas, chronicles state that this inca palace was built by orders of the 6th Inca ruler, Inca Roca. Gonzalo Pizarro took possession after the Spanish conquest. Parts of the Inca foundations can still be seen at some hotels there.

The iconic 12-angled stone is one of Cusco’s most visited sights and photographed subjects. This stone is part of the walls of Inca Roca’s former palace, which features huge interlocking stone blocks. Today, the Archbishop’s Palace housing the Museum of Cusco Religious Art operates inside this ancient temple.

The Inca Roca palace is currently located where the 12-angled stone is.

Kiswar Kancha

This belonged to Viracocha, father of Pachacutec, and was described as Cusco’s most sumptuous palace. Upon the Spanish arrival, it was donated to the church but completely demolished to build Cusco Cathedral, leaving no remaining Inca structure.

Firstly, the Triumph church was constructed were the building known as “Suntur Wasi” was built, eventually the rest of the current structure got built in a bit less of a century with the direction of three different architechts and the delay that the work suffered because of the 1650 earthquake in the city.

The biggest catholic temple of Cusco is placed where both Wiracocha Inca's palace and the Suntur Wasi were.

Colcampata

Legend holds that the first Inca, Manco Capac, built his palace on a hill near the Saphi River. Truth or myth, this Inca palace retains some original splendor after nearly a millennium. The Church of San Cristóbal was later built beside it and is visible from the Plaza de Armas.

It is said that the first Inca's palace was located where st. Dominique's temple is currently at.
It is said that the first Inca’s palace was located where st. Dominique’s temple is currently at.

Hatun Kancha & Ajllawasi

This palace belonged to Amaru Inca Yupanqui during Inca times. Now colonial houses built using the old Inca walls as bases stand there. For example, the lobby of the Casa Andina Catedral Cusco hotel features an original wall from this ancient palace. Also, right in front of this building the “cancha” or building in front of this place used to host the feminie group known as the “sun’s daughters” or Ajllawasi in Quechua, which was of relevance during the Inca Empire times.

Hatun cancha and Ajllawasi are both located in St. Catherine's street, right around the corner from Cusco's main plaza.
Hatun cancha and Ajllawasi are both located in St. Catherine’s street, right around the corner from Cusco’s main plaza.

Amaru Kancha

The inca palace of Huayna Capac, it was assigned to Hernando Pizarro upon Spanish arrival. He later donated it to the Jesuit order, who built the Church of the Company of Jesus there. Parts of the original Amaru Kancha walls can be seen on Loreto Street.

The Amaru Cancha is now the Holy Family's Temple, here the first Cusco university and the jail where Tupac Amaru was held before execution used to be placed.
The Amaru Cancha is now the Holy Family’s Temple, here the first Cusco university and the jail where Tupac Amaru was held before execution used to be placed.

Pucamarca

This palace of Tupac Yupanqui is situated between Maruri and San Agustin Streets. It remained relatively well-preserved until the mid-19th century, when the colonial owner attempted full demolition. Fortunately, the property was repurchased in time, and the ancient walls can now be viewed at the Scotiabank building.

Both the Amaru Cancha and Pucamarca are connected by Loreto's passage, from and to the Main Square.
Both the Amaru Cancha and Pucamarca are connected by Loreto’s passage, from and to the Main Square.

Getting to Visit the Inca Palaces

Most of these ancient inca palaces lie around the Plaza de Armas, allowing visitors to tour them on foot from hotels. However, to uncover all the secrets and hidden details behind the stone walls, it’s best to visit with a tour guide.

At Natourandes, we offer an ideal experience to see the best of Cusco. Click for details on the Archaeological City Tour. Don’t wait! Contact our experts today to start planning your dream trip to the land of the Incas.

Inca Palaces

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