The Santo Domingo Convent is an outstanding historical and religious monument of the Order of Preachers, built on the remains of the Inca temple of Coricancha, one of the most sacred precincts of the Inca Empire.

The history of the convent dates back to the distribution of land in October 1534, when Juan Pizarro, brother of the conqueror Francisco Pizarro, gave the Dominican Order the land where the temple of Coricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun, was erected. This site was considered one of the most important for the Inca cosmovision, which adds a deep layer of historical and cultural significance to the convent.

The first prior of the Convent of Santo Domingo was Friar Juan de Olías, who arrived in Cusco with a group of missionaries from Mexico, with the purpose of establishing and consolidating the presence of the order in the Andean region. The construction of the convent was a long and complex process, which took several years due to the magnitude of the work. Finally, the convent was officially consecrated in 1633, consolidating its place as an important religious center in Cusco.

The convent has witnessed several natural disasters that affected its structure. In 1650, a devastating earthquake caused severe damage to the convent's infrastructure, although the Inca Coricancha, known for its solid construction, remained virtually intact. The reconstruction of the convent took three decades, and it was not until 1680 that the building was completely restored.

However, the 1950 earthquake proved to be even more destructive. The church of Santo Domingo was the most affected in Cusco, suffering significant damage. The arches of the tower collapsed, the transept suffered severe destruction, and the northwest corner of the building leaned dangerously outward. The apse wall cracked, and the balcony overlooking the city collapsed. In the cloister, the arches were dislodged, rendering all the second-floor rooms uninhabitable. This damage led to extensive restoration work, which was necessary to restore the convent to its former glory.

In addition to its historical importance, it is notable for its architecture. The church has three naves and an imposing dome that enhances its presence in the Cusco landscape. The choir of the convent is adorned with an exquisite carved cedar wood choir stalls, an example of the fine craftsmanship of the time. The walls of the church are decorated with Sevillian tiles, which add a touch of color and sophistication, fusing European styles with the rich Inca heritage that underlies its foundations.

This convent is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of the cultural fusion that characterizes Cusco, where Inca history and Spanish influence intertwine to create a unique architectural and spiritual legacy.