Coricancha, meaning the Golden Courtyard in Quecha, was just that. Used for ceremonial purposes, Coricancha in Inca times was lined with solid gold sheets and gold and silver replicas of corn that were "planted" to ensure good crops.

Illuminated at night, Coricancha gives us a small idea of what it must have been like in its golden glory.

Photograph thanks to ClipArt.com