Mayan Archaeological Sites in Yucatán
Archaeological Sites in Oaxaca
Archaeological Sites in Chiapas
Arqueología Campeche
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
Mayan Archaeological Sites in Yucatán
Archaeological Sites in Oaxaca
Arqueología Chihuahua
Arqueología Campeche
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
This is one of the oldest cities in the Mayan area.
It was founded even before Uxmal and Chichen Itza and was probably the biggest city of the Northern Yucatec Plains, covering a minimal urban extension of 53 square kilometres (20 sq mi).
It reached its peak during the Late Classic and its dominance extended to a wide coastal strip of Yucatan. In that settlement there was a special devotion to Zamná, the creator God and benefactor of the Maya.
This Mayan settlement disappeared in the 16th century when the Spanish conquerors founded a city atop of the existing Mayan buildings. A good example is the large large Franciscan Monastery of San Antonio de Padua atop the Acropolis.
Izamal
Must see Buildings
Five huge Pre-Hispanic structures are still easily visible at Izamal.
Kinich Kak Moo
The first is a majestic pyramid built for the Maya Sun god, Kinich Kak Moo (makaw of the solar fire face). It reaches 35 m (115 feet) of height. In the base its walls measure 195 m (640 feet) from east to west and 173 m (568 feet) from north to south. Atop this grand base is a pyramid of ten levels. This building is the highest of Yucatan and, by its volume, the third most important of the country.
Itzamatul
To the south-east lies another great temple, called Itzamatul, and at the south of what it used to be the main plaza is the structure denominated Ppap Hol Chak, partially destroyed in the 16th century when the Franciscan monastery was constructed upon it. The south-west side of the plaza is limited by Hun Pik Tok, another vestige of a pyramid. Finally at the west side is Kabul with a great stucco mask of the god Itzamná, creator and benefactor of the Maya.
Location
It is located on Calle 28, Downtown Izamal, approximately one hour east of Mérida.
Hours
Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00 hrs.
English 
Español de México 
