The Convent of Santo Domingo

The Convent of Santo Domingo is a convent and monastery of the Dominican Order in the city of Cusco, Peru. Spanish colonists built it on top of Coricancha, the most important Inca temple of the capital of the people's empire.

Juan Pizarro, brother of Francisco, gave the congregation this land containing the Inca temple. He had received the land in the distribution of lots that took place in October 1534. The congregation was founded that same year, and it was the first Dominican convent in what became Peru. Construction of the first convent building was completed in 1610.

In 1680 construction of the current convent began. The architects were Martín Gonzales de los Lagos, Sebastián Martínez and Pedro de Mesa. Part of the choir was built by Francisco Domínguez de Arellano. The convent and monastery were completed by addition of the Baroque bell tower in the early 18th century.