Astronomical observations in the Inca Temple of Coricancha (Cusco)? A critical review of the hypothesis

A critical reassessment of the Coricancha temple's alleged astronomical function challenges the long-standing hypothesis that its architecture facilitated solar observations tied to a 328-day Inca calendar. While early Spanish accounts and structural analyses hinted at solar reflections on sacred effigies, such as the Sun figure (Punchao), this study's meticulous measurements and historical review cast doubt on the temple's role in formal astronomical observation. The research suggests that while Coricancha's design may incorporate subtle solar alignments, its primary purpose was likely religious rather than calendrical. This work refines our understanding of Inca architectural symbolism and the limits of archaeological evidence for astronomical claims.

Ziółkowski, M., & Kościuk, J. (2018). Astronomical observations in the Inca Temple of Coricancha (Cusco)? A critical review of the hypothesis. Teka Komisji Architektury, Urbanistyki I Studiów Krajobrazowych, 14(1), 7–33. https://doi.org/10.35784/teka.1737