Qorikancha, the Golden Palace in Cusco was thought to be covered entirely in gold panels until the Spanish conquestedores sacked the place and stole it. The original complex was built with tapered walls to withstand earthquakes and this has been proved an excellent system as the older parts have survived while newer colonial parts have fallen down . The complex held many temples and the gardens contained examples of every plant known to ther Incas. The building was eventually given to the Dominican Monks who build their own structure above the remaining walls.