Description of the attraction
Chichen Itza is one of the largest ancient Mayan cities located in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula that has survived to this day. The city served as a political and cultural center. The name of the city, translated from the Aboriginal language, means "The mouth of the well of the Itza tribe".
The tribes of the ancient people lived in the Yucatan for about 8000 years. Chichen Itza became the capital and center of the Maya in the last millennium of its people. The city became powerful because of two fresh drinking springs.
In the 10th century, invaders came to the city - the Toltec people and made Chichen Itza the main city of their state. A couple of centuries later, at the beginning of the 12th century, Yucatan became empty for unknown reasons, later conquerors from Spain came here, destroying most of the Mayan heritage during the offensive.
Archaeological excavations
During the excavations, architectural monuments were found here, the greatest interest of which, of course, are the pyramids. The main of all the pyramids is considered to be the Kukulkan temple. The height of this pyramid, lined with nine steps, is 24 meters. If you get here on the days of the autumn or spring equinox, you will see how amazingly the sun's rays fall on this pyramid. Getting on her stairs, they create a pattern of seven isosceles triangles, which, in turn, represent an unusual illusion - the body of a 37-meter snake, which crawls towards the image of a snake, carved into the stone at the first step.
Archaeologists were surprised by another find: they found 7 ball courts here. These are prototypes of modern football fields. The largest field turned out to be 135 meters long.
There are also statues of gods, various household items, carved rock carvings, as well as a sacred well, the depth of which is about 50 meters, it is possible that it was used for the ritual of sacrifice.
Currently, 83 hectares of Chichen Itza were bought by the Mexican government in order to preserve and protect the city from further destruction. Today it is one of the most visited local attractions. UNESCO recognized Chichen Itza as a World Heritage Site, and in 2007 - one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
On a note
- How to get there: by bus from Merida or Cancun.
- Opening hours: daily, in summer 08.00-18.00, in winter 08.00-17.30.
- Tickets: adult - 220 pesos, children under 13 - free. Evening show - 69 pesos.
