Chichen itza mexico history. Chichen Itza, Mexico: the legacy of the ancient Mayans and Toltecs. Detailed guide. Great Pyramid of Chichen Itza

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One of the most popular and super-visited historical sites in Mexico - Chichen Itza, is located in relative proximity (200 km) to the equally popular beach resort Cancun. Ancient Mayan city Chichen Itza has long been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. Chichen Itza is the second most popular place among tourists from all over the world where archaeological sites are accessible to the public. Chichen Itza is one of the recognized new seven wonders of the world!

Chichen Itza - restored Mayan city

Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan settlement located in the state of Yucatan, 120 kilometers from Merida (the state capital) and almost 200 kilometers from Cancun (state of Quintana Roo). From the Mayan language, Chichen Itza is literally translated as the well of the Mayan people (more precisely, one of the many Mayan tribes). Indeed, on the territory of the Chichen Itza archaeological park at the end of the 19th century, the same ritual cenote was discovered, which gave the world a lot of artifacts and interesting things of the Indians who inhabited these places in the past. Unfortunately, many of these cultural units remained forever lost to the owner of the heritage - Mexico. Archaeological Park Chichen Itza is located on 6 square kilometers and is protected and studied UNESCO object. On the territory of this park there is a whole ensemble of former architecture:

1. Pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo)2. Sacred Cenote3. Temple of the Jaguar (Temple de Jaguaras)4. Platform of the Jaguaras and Eagles5. Platform of Venus6. Great Ball Court7. Temple of the Warriors8. Group of the One Thousand9. Karakol Observatory

Pyramid of Kukulkan

Pyramid of Kukulkan- This is the most popular design in archaeological park Chichen Itza. Many thousands of photographs of tourists were taken against the backdrop of this nine-tiered pyramid with four wide staircases in 4 cardinal directions, a priest’s platform at the top and a bas-relief ensemble at the foot. Four staircases lead to the temple on the priest's platform, and the entrance to it is decorated with the mask of the rain god Chaak. The traditions performed during the construction of the Kukulkan pyramid reveal the ancients’ commitment to numerology. Thus, the total number of steps on each of the stairs of the pyramid adds up to 364, and one more, the common 365th step, is located at the top - it is common to all sides. The 9 tiers consist of 52 panels on each side. 52 is the number of years in one cycle of the Mayan calendar. ()


Pyramid at Chichen Itza. Until 2006, the pyramid was accessible for climbing.

Descending serpent Kukulkan

A notable feature of this temple structure is its precise geographical position relative to the cardinal directions and strict geometric shapes. Yes, twice a year March 20 and September 21 on the days of the autumn and spring equinoxes occurs "descent of the feathered serpent"- the visual appearance of the jagged body of a mystical deity in the form of a shadow cast by the geometric curves of the pyramid shapes. A chain of seven isosceles triangles and stone head at the foot of Kukulkan - causes indescribable delight among tourists arriving in the ancient city of Chichen Itza from all over the world!



The descent of the shadow of the serpent in Chichen Itza is visible only on the days of the equinox

Temple of a Thousand Columns

To the east of the Kukulcan pyramid is the temple colonnade (Group of a Thousand Columns) - part of a large archaeological complex that includes "Temple of Warriors", ancient market and Temazcal ritual bath.



Colonnade at Chichen Itza

Indian football Pok ta Pok

On the opposite side there is a stadium for playing ball - the Indian analogue of football - "Pok-ta-Pok". This is the largest ball stadium in Yucatan. Its length is 166 meters and its width is 68 meters. The height of the walls on which the spectators were located on both sides was 12 meters, and at a height of 8 meters there were rings into which the ball had to be kicked. Judging by the ensemble of bas-reliefs on the walls of this “football” field, the game was quite fierce. Not only did the rubber ball itself weigh no less than 4 kg and it was allowed to hit it with the shoulders, elbows and hips, but victory and subsequent death for it was a matter of honor for the ancient Mayans. These same bas-reliefs talk about the honor of dying from a blade in the heart of the captain of the winning team. The game was quite popular both among the nobility and among the common population.

Temple of the Jaguar

To the side of the playing field are the ruins of a jaguar temple. Here is a bas-relief image of a pair of intertwined snakes, jaguars that run in different directions and three symbols of war and resistance - shields! ()

Warrior Temple of Chichen Itza

The temple of warriors located near the temple of the jaguar attracts tourists with a figurine of a deity familiar from advertising brochures. Chuck Mol. He was traditionally depicted in a reclining position with a ritual tray or thicket on his stomach. The temple is not accessible to entry, but from behind the fence you can easily see the facades of two buildings with bas-relief images of sacred jaguars, the feathered serpent Kukulkan and the deity Chaak with a long nose curved downwards.

Market in Chichen Itza

The market square, which is a row of columns, the Temazcal Indian bathhouse with a preserved dressing room with columns and a steam room is another part of the architectural park worthy of a visit.

Observatory at Chichen Itza

The southern part of Chichen Itza is interesting for its unique object - the observatory "Shell" or "Karakol". Surprising is the fact that special holes were made in the dome of the observatory through which you can observe the trajectory of celestial bodies and objects.

Souvenirs in Chichen Itza

A must-see place in the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza is a small alley lined with souvenir sellers. At the end of this alley there is a sacred sacrificial cenote 250 meters deep and up to 65 meters in diameter. The cenote became a place final resting place for many thousands of sacrifices made to the rain god. Along with the remains of victims, at the beginning of the 20th century, gold and emeralds, which were of no value to the ancient Mayans, were recovered from the bottom.

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One of the most famous places A must-see for all tourists traveling in Mexico is the ancient city of Chichen Itza. Translated, its name means “Mouth of the well of the water sorcerers” or “Place near the well of the Itza tribe.” This place is mysterious, very colorful and even a little sinister.

Chichetz Itza - a world cultural heritage site

In the past, the city was the political and cultural center of the Maya-Toltec civilization. And now, having become one of the objects world heritage UNESCO, attracts great amount tourists. It is estimated that more than a million people visit this archaeological complex every year. Chichen Itza gained enormous popularity not only because it was quite well preserved. He became the quintessence religious beliefs and ideas about the structure of the universe and the surrounding world. A special influx of tourists occurred in December 2012. Believing in the ancient prophecy, many adherents of the famous calendar rushed to Chichen Itza, wanting to “meet” the end of the world among ancient buildings Mayan.

Chichen Itza: history of origin

It is quite difficult to reliably describe the history of the creation of the city, since there are practically no manuscripts left describing the ancient events of Chichen Itza - they were destroyed by the Spanish conquerors. Archaeological scientists believe that people first began to settle in this place in the 4th century, and the first urban structures began to be erected approximately in the 6th - 7th centuries. At the same time, the urban community arose. Until the 10th century Chichen Itza was a refuge for the Mayans. And by the end of the 10th century. the city was conquered by conquerors from Central Mexico - the Toltecs, who practiced sacrifices and served the cult of the Feathered Serpent. They did not destroy Chichen Itza, but on the contrary, they firmly took root in it. During the reign of the Toltecs, the city became one of the most powerful settlements of the Yucatan Peninsula. From the 11th century The Toltecs made it the capital of their empire. Over time, it gradually changed and increasingly acquired Toltec features. The symbiosis of two unique cultures made the ancient city truly unique. For unknown reasons, at the end of the 12th century. it was abandoned by the inhabitants and overgrown with jungle. Only in 1920 did archaeologists reveal its mysterious structures to the world.

The main attractions of the ancient Mayan city

The most famous building ancient city is the pyramid of Kukulcan (or otherwise the pyramid of El Castillo). In 2007, it was included in the list of seven new wonders of the world. Chichen Itza was built in the 11th century. joint efforts of the Mayan and Toltec Indians. They erected a grandiose monument dedicated to the wind, Quetzalcoatl, who had the appearance of a feathered serpent with the head of a man. The Mayan Indians called the deity Kukulkan, that is, “feathered serpent.” This structure was created based on the cosmological and calendar knowledge of the Mayans and Toltecs. It reaches a height of 24 m, and its edges face all four cardinal directions. At the top of the pyramid there is a platform that was used in ancient times for making sacrifices.

Four steep and wide staircases lead to the site, each of which consists of 91 steps, which in total (together with the upper platform) gives the significant number 365, equal to the number of days in a solar year. On each side of the pyramid there are 18 sections - terraces. This number is also symbolic. It is equal to the number of months in the Mayan calendar. In addition, there are 52 stone reliefs on each of the four sides of the pyramid. They represent the coincidence of special Toltec calendar cycles - the daytime shiupoualli and the daytime tonalpohualli - which occurs once every 52 years. Interestingly, inside the sanctuary there is another nine-step pyramid, the entrance to which was found relatively recently. There is a relic there - the "Jaguar Mat" and the statue "Chak-Mool".

The second unique attraction of the city of Chichen Itza in Mexico is the famous Temple of the Warriors. It is located directly behind the El Castillo pyramid and is a monumental five-step pyramid reaching a height of 11.5 m.

It is surrounded on all sides by columns made in the shape of Toltec warriors. That is why the pyramid got its name. At its top there is a temple consisting of a hall and a sanctuary. An impressive staircase surrounded by balustrades leads to the temple. The entrance to the sanctuary is marked by snakes carved from stone. The temple has a stone altar resembling a low table, the legs of which are made in the shape of human figures. There is also an ugly stone idol of the Toltec deity Chak-Mool - a reclining demon holding a large empty dish in his hands and pressing it to his stomach. It is believed that it was on this dish that the priests burned the hearts of their victims.

Another mysterious attraction of the ancient Mayan city is the “Sacred Cenote”

Not only the Chichen Itza pyramids in Mexico deserve the attention of many tourists. North of the El Castillo monument there is another mysterious attraction called the “Sacred Cenote” (otherwise known as the “Well of Death”). This karst formation, unlike other wells, did not serve the Toltecs as a source of fresh water.

The priests threw victims into it, glorifying their gods. The “Well of Death” was 50 m deep and was considered a kind of portal to the other world. In the period from 1910 - 1925. it was explored by Herbert Thompson, who recovered from it a large number of antiquities: gold, ceramics, rubber, obsidian and, of course, many human remains.

Pyramid of Osuari

Chichen Itza also has another karst formation - Cenote Stolok, which is located south of the Temple of Kukulkan. It, unlike the “Well of Death,” was used by the Toltecs exclusively as a source of drinking water. A little later, the scientist G. Thompson examined another interesting pyramid Chichen Itza - Osuari (otherwise known as the Crypt).

It, like the Temple of Kukulkan, was built with stairs on each of the four sides. Interestingly, in the center of the pyramid there is a deep vertical hole leading to natural cave. In it, Thompson found several interesting jade artifacts, as well as human remains.

Ball court

Another ominous attraction of the city of Chichen Itza is Tzompantli. It is a T-shaped platform, the walls of which are decorated with relief images of skulls.

Tzompantli was used to display the heads of victims as well as prisoners of war. To the west of the Temple of Skulls is one of the nine ball courts, striking in its grandiose size. Its length is 168 m and its width is about 70 m. It is believed that it was built in 864 AD. In the east of the site is the Temple of the Jaguar, which includes two sanctuaries. The upper sanctuary is located on the wall bordering the platform. They probably watched the ball game from here. The lower sanctuary is located with outside sites. Near its entrance there is a monument - the figure of a jaguar. In the northern part playground there is another building - the Temple of the Bearded Man. A staircase leads to its entrance, divided by two pillars. The inside of the temple is decorated with a relief, in the center of which is the figure of a man with a beard.

Karakol Observatory

To the south of the ball court are several other attractions, including the Red House, a building with a red façade, and the Caracol (translated as "snail shell"), a tower built on a platform. It is believed that it was used by the Mayan Indians for observing astronomical objects, calculating and therefore Caracol is also called the Observatory.

South of the tower there is another powerful Toltec structure, which the Spaniards called " Convent"for its majestic and inaccessible appearance. It reaches a height of 20 m, and its base is 70 m by 35 m. A wide staircase leads to the entrance to the monastery. The building itself is decorated with masks of the god Chaka and various relief patterns.

How to get to the ancient city of Chichen Itza?

This World Cultural Heritage Site is located 1.5 km from the small Mexican settlement of Piste, located between the two major cities of northern Yucatan - Cancun and Merida. You can get to the city of Chichen Itza on your own by renting a car or taking a bus (a ticket costs from 80 to 140 pesos, depending on the class). A taxi will cost you much more public transport, since the distance from Cancun or Merida is not close, about 200 km and 120 km, respectively. The archaeological area is open to visitors daily, from 8:00 to 17:00. If you want to save money, go sightseeing to the Mayans and Toltecs on Sunday, admission will be free.

In the north of Yucotan, in Mexico, there are unique buildings of the ancient city of the Itza Indian people, who once declared their power and subjugated other tribes. “Chichen Itza” means in the Mayan language - “At the mouth of the well of Itza” (its - sorcerer, ha - water). The ancient handwritten codex Chilam-Bolam, consisting of nine collections, mentions another, more ancient name of the city, but due to forgotten spelling it is not possible to accurately decipher it.

Historical information

Presumably, the city of Chichen Itza was founded around 455, during the heyday of the Mayan civilization, which became famous for its culture, architecture and quite significant, for that time, knowledge in mathematics and astronomy.

The buildings erected at Chichen Itza can be divided into two parts. One of them includes buildings of the 6th–7th centuries AD. e. This is the culture of the ancient Mayans. Buildings characteristic of the Toltec culture belong to another group. They captured the city in the 10th–11th centuries AD. and after some time they made it their capital. But already in 1178, Chichen Itza was literally defeated by the troops of three united cities: Itzmal, Mayapan, Uxmal under the command of Huanak Keel.

The Spaniards who invaded Mexico burned Indian manuscripts. But, despite the loss of historical data, archaeologists were still able to establish that in the 13th century the city was plundered and could no longer continue to influence the economy of the surrounding regions. In this regard, rich and noble citizens left Chichen Itza, and after them the rest of the inhabitants left the city. The Spanish conquerors discovered a completely empty city, around which there were small Indian settlements, their inhabitants treated the ruins of the ancient city as sacred place. Centuries have passed, but the exact reason for the transformation of the once powerful city into one abandoned and forgotten by literally everyone has not been established.

Sights of the Holy City

Archaeologists worked for a long time on the territory of the ancient city of Chichen Itza, revealing unique Indian structures to the whole world:

1. The famous Kukulkan Temple.

2. Temple of Jaguars with unique paintings on the walls.

3. Temple of warriors with a base of 40 m, erected on a 4-step pyramid.

4. A group of a thousand columns - ruins of 4 colonnades arranged in the shape of a rectangle.

5. Karakol - an ancient observatory.

6. Seven stadiums built to host ball games and competitions - the largest of them is 135 m long.

7. The sacred cenote - a natural well, 50 m deep, was necessary for making sacrifices to the god of forests and fields Yumkash.

Nearby historical monuments statues of gods were discovered, made with the stylization characteristic of the Mayan civilization, various reliefs, which at one time were decorations of buildings and religious centers, as well as handicraft products.

Main temple of the city

The main structures of Chichen Itza were built during the period later called Mexican. The Toltecs, who captured the area, built a temple, which became the main one. It was created in honor of the Toltec god Kukulkan or the Feathered Serpent. Nowadays, it has become a real symbol of Mexico.

The building is a nine-step pyramid, 24 m high. Its base is square and very massive. The layout of the temple used the astronomical knowledge of the Indians, as well as the numbers of their calendar cycles. There are four staircases with balustrades leading to the top of the structure, which start from the head of the snake. The play of light on the days of the equinox allows you to observe the illusion that the powerful Serpent is slowly emerging from a secret hiding place.

The Temple of Kukulcan has four entrances. At the main one, oriented to the north, there are two columns in the form of snakes. There are exactly the same ones inside. This creepy place. Many years ago, human lives were sacrificed here.

Surprisingly, in the pyramid under the temple there is another one, the same, nine-step, only smaller. The entrance to it was discovered by scientists quite recently. The discovered artifact that was hidden there is truly priceless. This is a symbol of power of the Mayan Indians - the Jaguar Mat, the stone throne of the Supreme Ruler in the form of a jaguar. Inlaid with 73 jade discs, which are spots on the skin. Presumably the first owner of the throne was Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl, the ancestor of the Toltecs.

To preserve the heritage left by the ancient people, the government of Yucotan made a deal with the owner of the land. 83 hectares were purchased, along with holy city. UNESCO has awarded Chichen Itza the status of a World Cultural Heritage Site. Its sights are visited by tourists from all over the world, and for those who are interested in the history of the civilizations of our planet, this is a very important place, with a huge amount of unexplored information.

The ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza made one of the strongest impressions on me in Mexico. Even the huge waves of the surfing spot Zicatela, which are simply dangerous even for the most professional surfers, did not leave such vivid, mind-stirring memories. And all because of the history of this place, which I managed to touch (in the literal sense of the word, although in general you can’t touch anything here).

The ancient city of Chichen Itza has a very colorful history, which is full of bloodshed, wars and, at the same time, amazing economic prosperity. Most of the buildings that you will find here in ruin format were erected about 1200-1300 years ago. Not that long ago, if you think that the city itself lived several thousand years before that.

In Mexico, Chichen Itza is a major attraction of Mayan culture. There is, of course, amazing Tulum on the coast, and Coba is amazing, but Chichen Itza looks like the mother of all cities.

Story

Not everyone knows that not only the Mayans lived in Chichen Itza, but also the Toltecs (also Indians). Those pyramids you see are not Mayan buildings, but are located in a Mayan city. No one knows for sure why the city of Chichen Itza (and Tikal) was abandoned about 1,200 years ago. Some archaeologists talk about drought, others about war, others about an epidemic of a terrible disease from which more than half of the inhabitants died, and the persistent virus of which may still be buried under a layer of soil under the pyramids.

By the way, the Toltecs, according to scientists, did not expel or take by force the city of Chichen Itza from the Mayans. On the contrary: they, like us, also found the ruins of an abandoned city and began to restore it. So, Chichen Itza was first abandoned by the Mayans for an unknown reason, and then, 1200 years ago, by the Toltecs.


So, the Toltecs are not Mayans, but the people of the Uto-Aztec family, and it was under them that most of the attractions of the city of Chichen Itza, which will be discussed below, were built. Surprisingly, on all the prospectuses and brochures in all the cities of Mexico the word “Mayan” is written, and not “Toltec”.

Where is

Chichen Itza is located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Nearby cities-, and - are also tourist areas. Nearest international Airport located in Cancun, it can be used for flights to Europe or even direct flights to Moscow.

On the map you will see marked the main attraction of Chichen Itza - the Pyramid of Kukulkan. To the left of it is the entrance to Chichen Itza (100 meters) and parking for cars.

How much is admission

Admission ticket in Chichen Itza costs about 13 USD, paid strictly in Mexican currency, in the amount of 204 MXN. For children under 12 years of age, admission is free. The evening show starts at 20:00 and is free for those who have already purchased a ticket to Chichen Itza.

How to get there

To get to Chichen Itza, you will have to take an ADO bus from Cancun (2.5 hours, 15 USD) or from Merida (1 hour, 7 USD). You can rent a car and get here using the following route, for example, from Cancun:

Operating mode

Chichen Itza is open every day, seven days a week, from 8:00 to 18:00. The evening show takes place a little later, at 20:00, but not every day. Mostly animation, sometimes fireworks.

Attractions

Chichen Itza has many ruins of temples, public buildings and even residential buildings. The outlines of the streets have also been preserved; thanks to these ruins, you can also feel like a real resident of the city, who is simply walking from the market to his home.

Among the main attractions, these are worth highlighting.













In what country is Chichen Itza located? Of course, in Mexico! Chichen Itza- one of the main ones. The ancient Mayan city, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, is known to everyone who comes to this magical land. The pyramids of the ancient Mayans and Toltecs, numerous architectural monuments and proximity to - all this annually attracts millions of tourists from all over the world and makes Chichen Itza a real tourist capital of Mexico.

Pyramids and ancient city of Chichen Itza in Mexico

Chichen Itza is an ancient city in northern Mexico, located on the Yucatan Peninsula. The ancient Mayans and Toltecs lived in these places. At dawn, the population of the ancient city of Chichen Itza was 10 thousand, although some scientists believe that this number should be 2, or even 3 times more. It is now included in the UNESCO heritage. Ancient objects are carefully protected.

The architecture of the city dates from the 6th to the 13th centuries. The Spaniards dismantled most of the ancient cities for building materials, but they did not touch Chechen Itza. You can admire the view at any time of the year. Unofficially, Chechen Itza is called the eighth wonder of the world. Opening hours from 8.00 to 18.00. Entrance to the territory costs 220 Mexican pesos, and guide services 750 pesos. Children under 12 years old do not need a ticket.

Chichen Itza is located in North America, country Mexico. On the map you need to find the Yucatan Peninsula, where the city is located. The neighbors of Chechen Itza are the cities of Cancun and - these are also popular tourist places. To get to these places by plane, you need to fly to where the nearest international airport is located. Flights are made both from Europe and directly from the capital Russian Federation, Moscow.

The map allows you to notice and main goal many tourists - the Pyramid of Kukulkan. On the left side of it, 100 meters away, is the entrance to the city of Chechen Itza itself. There is also parking nearby.

How to get there from Cancun

To get to the city from Cancun, tourists and guests of the peninsula can use several accessible ways. For example:

  1. The bus is the most practical transport. The journey will take a little more than 3 hours. Served by carrier ADO. Ticket prices range from 10 € to 16 €.
  2. Ordering a transfer will cost from 30 € to 40 €. The car can be picked up directly from the airport, or from another place of stay, for example from a hotel.
  3. By renting a car you can get there more comfortably and faster. The journey will take only 2 hours. To Chichen Itza you need to travel 200 km, which will take 16 liters of fuel. Gasoline will cost about 20 €.

How to get there from other regions

The bus from Merida is the same as from Cancun, it costs 6 €. You can comfortably travel from Valladolid by shuttle bus.

History of the city of Chichen Itza

The name has been widely used since Mayan times. In local languages, Chichen Itza can be translated as “At the mouth of the well of Itza”, or “The mouth of the well of the water sorcerers”. The particle Chi indicates the mouth or edge, chen means the source, or well. Itza is ancient people, who ruled the entire region near the city. The word Itza itself is often translated as “sorcerer.” If you break it down into two parts, Itz is a sorcerer, and ha is water.

The ancient documents available to us show that there are other options for the name of the city. For example, this is evidenced by the data of the Chilam-Bilam codex. At the same time, the incomplete discovery of the ancient dialect prevents us from establishing exactly what the city was called before the arrival of Itza. Today, several ancient names are known: Yuuk Yabnal, (Seven Great Houses), Yuuk Hab Nal (Seven Bushy Places), Yuukuabnal (Seven Great Rulers) and Uk Abnal (Seven Ways of Abnal).

History of discovery

History can be divided into two periods. The first lasted from the 7th to the 10th centuries, when the city belonged to the Maya tribe. The second began with the Toltec conquest of the area in the 10th century. The 11th century was marked by the granting of the status of the capital of the Toltec lands. But the city did not last long on the throne. The Mayans decided to take back the city. Hunak Keel gathered a skilled army from the cities of Mayapan, Uxmal and Itzmal. He led the campaign against Chichen Itza, which led to success in 1178.

Subsequently, due to unknown reasons, the city was completely destroyed and was abandoned. This happened in 1194. Although the Spaniards destroyed all the documents of the ancient tribes, historians have found that frequent attacks on the city weakened the people. The upper strata of society scattered to other places. From Spanish records it was established that the Indians went on pilgrimage to the ruins of the ancient city. Since the 15th century, the area has been used as pasture for livestock. It is unknown why the city was deserted. Some researchers talk about a terrible famine, others about a bloody war.

There is also an opinion that a terrible epidemic hit the residents and that the virus is still under the ruins of the city.

Be that as it may, everything changed with the arrival of the Spaniards. The 18th century was marked by various explorations and archaeological excavations. Even then, many artists and photographers came to capture the unique wealth of the Maya. And since the middle of the last century, the Mexican government issued a decree to globally restore the city of Chechen Itza to its original appearance. All possible work has been carried out and now it is an extremely popular place.

Attractions Chichen Itza

The city of Chichen Itza has a huge number of places of interest to tourists. If you go here as part of an excursion program, an experienced guide will tell you in detail about each attraction. In this article we will do short review main architectural monuments that you simply cannot miss.

There are many interesting things to see in the city, but the Pyramid of Kukulkan stands apart from all the famous places. The pyramid is one of the surviving ancient ones architectural structures ancient tribes. In Spanish there are such names: Pirámide de Kukulkán, Templo de Kukulkán, “El Castillo”. So called ancient pyramid feathered serpent. Kukulkan is a god similar to Quetzalloatl. The object immerses you in the times of the Mayan tribe. You can learn many exciting stories and retellings about how the worship of wondrous deities was carried out here. In their religion, blood was shed and cruel rituals were performed to appease the objects of worship. In essence, the pyramid is a sacred temple.

The pyramid is located in the center with a large area measuring 18 hectares. The temple is surrounded by a wide parapet made of stones. The size of the building itself is also impressive. The height is 24 meters, and if you take the top, then all 30. The length of each side measures 55 meters. All faces of the pyramid have 9 steps. On each of the four sides there are steep stairs, following which you can get to the top. The stairs are also oriented according to the cardinal directions. Each of them has 91 degrees, the total number of steps is 364. And if you add to this number the platform at the top, which combines 4 stairs, you get 365 - which indicates the number of days of the solar year.

The edge of the stairs is a stone fence in the form of a kite, the head of which is at the bottom and the body goes to the top. The size of the kite is 37 meters. An amazing show takes place here several days a year. When the autumn and spring equinoxes arrive, the shadow from the steps falls on the stones of the balustrade. At the same time, it seems that the Feathered Serpent is not just a sculpture, but a real reptile moving along the course. In spring in March the snake appears to be moving upward, and in autumn in September downward. This action lasts 3 hours 22 minutes.

It is noteworthy that the stairs are cut into two, that is, the number of sections on each side of the pyramid is 18. This number is symbolic and indicates the same number of months in the Mayan calendar year.

The temple has 9 ledges and this is not accidental. The Toltecs had their own beliefs about the “nine heavens.” Each wall of the temple has 52 stone reliefs, which represent 52 years - the Toltec calendar cycle.

Ruins of Chac-Mool in the north (Chacmools)


Ruins of Chac-Mul

This attraction in Chichen Itza includes sculptures that will not leave you indifferent. You can see altars, statues of Atlanteans and stone paintings. The architecture amazes the visitor's gaze.

Temple of the Warriors


Temple of Warriors

This is also a unique building. It has been amazingly preserved. A visit encourages you to admire the ancient people and their approach to business. The atmosphere makes you feel like you are in the distant past. This is never forgotten.

The Hall of the Thousand Columns

In ancient times, this alley was a trade street. At the market, clever tribes even built a roof so that the weather would not interfere with trade. Previously, the building had a large hall. There were rows of crafts made of iron and ceramics. It was also possible to purchase simple household items. It was located near a large market.

Wall of Skulls (Tzompantli)

Although the name exudes some mysticism and horror, the picture of this object shows the opposite. The rock art that exists here is unique. Picturesque patterns and beautiful composition arouse considerable interest. At the same time, it is not completely known how ancient people used the Wall of Skulls.

Stadium (The Ball Courts)

Many people do not know that even before the invention of football by the British, the ancient Mayans used a similar ball game with might and main. The stadium was built over 3000 years ago. Of course, the purpose is very different from modern sports facilities. Back then, people held religious rituals at the stadium. And the loser football team immediately lost her life. They were executed and sacrificed to deities. The terrible picture is that the height of the walls did not allow the players to escape from their sad fate. And the leaders watched this picture from above. It's also creepy that a skull was used instead of a ball.

Chichen Itza has 7 sports facilities. The largest stadium is called "Huego de Pelota" (translated as "Big Ball Field"). The length of this field is 135 meters.

After visiting the amazing sites of ancient culture, stadiums seem like a rather boring place.

Temple of the Jaguars

It cannot be said that this temple is actually something unusual. The building has quite small size. The most worth seeing is the jaguar sculpture that stands in front of the temple. This is the most significant attraction of the temple; besides it, there are no other features in the Temple of Jaguars.

Pyramid of Old Chichén

The name Old Chichen was not given in vain - this building is one of the oldest in the city. The appearance of the pyramid is also amazing. She is beheaded. Nature contributed to this. During an ancient hurricane the top was destroyed. The restored steps are striking in beauty. Tourists would even like to climb small pyramid, but this is not provided.

Observatory (Caracol)

Stunning building. I want to examine it in detail from different angles. There is a tower near the observatory, which is certainly an interesting object. You won't be able to climb the steps here either.

Church (Nunnery)

This is an amazing building. At least according to the Mayan Chenes style. And this is the most picturesque style of the ancient Mayan tribes. The ornaments amaze with their sophistication. For a tourist this place is a must have mandatory place visits.

Sacred Cenote

The sacred cenote is located right within the old city of Chechen Itza. You need to work hard to find such a desired object... First you need to find Chichen Itza Park. Next, you need to leave behind the Kukulcan pyramid and to the left of the Platforma de Venus ruins there will be a sign to the cenote. It is important to look carefully at the signs indicating the way. The cenote is a natural well. The depth is approximately 50 m. It was used for sacrificial purposes. Girls and children, as well as various religious objects, were thrown there, asking the gods for rain.

Cenote Ik-Kil


Cenote Ik Kil

The cenote is located just 5 kilometers from the city. You can get there along highway 180. This one is very a nice place, worth it to go separately. Mexico can be proud of such facilities.

Shops and shopping near Chichen Itza

The closest shops to Chichen Itza are in Pista. Here you can find several grocery stores, butchers, restaurants and savings banks. Shops and their addresses along Dsitas-Piste street:

  • Bootix de los mayas – goods for handicrafts;
  • Taller la escondida – at the intersection with 5th street;
  • Las sobrinas de la tia – restaurant at the intersection with street 5-A;
  • Pollaria Suemi - grocery store closer to the intersection with 7th Street;
  • Banco Azteca - between 7th and 9th streets;
  • El Panal - at the intersection with 11th Street;
  • Novedades Y Regalos El Arca is a gift shop at the intersection of 12th Street and Highway 180.

Along Highway 180 Costera del Golfo there are 4 Mexican restaurants, at the intersection with 22nd Street there is Marthas Pizzeria, and closer to the intersection with 18th Street there is a Tecate Six beer store.

The following shops and establishments are located along Highway 180:

  • Maxicarne – meat products, on street 15-A;
  • Neveria Basulto – at the intersection with 8th Street;
  • Balam House – pizzeria at the intersection with street 6;
  • Fruiteria Dorcy – food market, between 4th and 6th streets;
  • Taller Mecanico “El Chino” – grocery store. Azteca – between 7th and 9th streets.

There are also museums, hotels and small hotels in Pista. Here you can buy everything you need at more affordable prices than in smaller resort towns. It is more profitable to purchase souvenirs and food products in larger cities. From Chichen Itza to Piste the distance is about two kilometers, so a shopping trip will not be difficult and will not take much time, even if you do walking along the Merida-Valladorit highway. At a distance of 4 km in the opposite direction from Piste, is the town of Kh-Kalakoop. There are several grocery stores, a bar, a restaurant and a home improvement store.

Also on the way you can stop by Libre Union, Tsitas, Tuncas, or more Big City Valladolite, where a selection of groceries, shops and other goods will help you make more varied and profitable purchases.

 

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