The major earthquake that hit Cusco in 1950 badly destroyed the Dominican Priory and Church of Santo Domingo , which were built on top of the impressive Koricancha ( Temple of the Sun ) . A major earthquake on 21 May 1950 caused severe localized damage in Cusco . The Dominican Priory and Church of Santo Domingo , which were built on top of the impressive Qoricancha ( Temple of the Sun ) , were among the colonial era buildings affected .