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 former Matlatzinca settlement has its peak during the Late Postclassic period and was taken by the Aztecs in 1469-1476 A.D.
From that year on it was used by the conquering culture to monitor trade routes.
Since the beginning, it was used as a fortress for the conquering culture, and was the headquarters for the Eagle and Jaguar Knights, the Aztec military castes of prestigious warriors.
Must see Buildings
The temples in Malinalco are carved on a slopin hill, at the edge of a 125-meter-high ravine, on the Cerro de los Idolos (Idols mount), with a panoramic view of the town.
Malinalco
Cuauhcali, Temple of the Eagle and Jaguar Knights
The most majestic building is the Cuauhcali, Temple of the Eagle and Jaguar Knights, the circular pyramidal base and balustraded staircase is a rock-cut structure carved in the mountain side and is oriented south for ritual purposes, it is also the only monolithic construction unique in Mesoamerican cultures. The staircase, located in the front façade of the building, is two meters wide and has 13 steps, and at the top of the stairs there is low platform that functioned as an antechamber for the shrine of the temple.
It was the place where the eagle and jaguar warriors pierced and placed ornaments in the cartilage between the nostrils and the chin. Like most Aztec architecture, the Cuauhcalli is a re-enactment of historical and religious beliefs.
Temple II
Southeast of the Cuauhcali is the Temple II a truncated pyramid with balustrades constructed with carved stones and altar carvings.
Temple III or Tzinacalli
It is also known as Tzinacalli ("house of the burners") is believed to be the place where the remains of warriors fallen in combat were incinerated. The rock-cut structure holds two chambers, a circular and a rectangular one.
Temple IV
It is partially carved into the living rock, and is considered to be a Tonatiuhcalli or Temple of the Sun. In the interior there are two rectangular pedestals that served as column bases that supported the roof and an altar carved out of the rock.
Temple V
It is a circular structure with 2 m of diameter and in the center there is a hole that could have been used to hold the flags or banners of war and sacrifice.
Temple VI
Malinalco Site Museum
It has a site museum, where various pieces found in the archaeological site are exhibited.
Location
Malinalco is located in the Santa Monica neighborhood, Amajac Street, Malinalco, State of Mexico.
Hours
Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00 hrs.
English 
Español de México 
