History of Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, the most famous Mayan city in the world
The city of Chichén Itzá is, without a doubt, the most famous Mayan city in the world. It is located in the state of Yucatán, 128 km from Mérida in the direction of Cancun, and receives more than one million tourists each year, which makes it the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico, after Teotihuacan.
It was founded by Mayan groups between 325 and 550 of our era. Around the year 800, the Toltecs invaded the area, causing the two cultures to merge. Thus, the city reached its maximum splendor and became the most powerful in the Yucatan Peninsula at the beginning of the 12th century.
It was then that the buildings that remain until now were built, such as El Castillo or the Ball Court. From this influence arose the cult of Kukulcán, the feathered serpent that between Toltecs and Aztecs bore the name of Quetzalcóatl. However, less than half a century after its heyday, a civil war wiped out the city.
In 1988, UNESCO designated Chichén Itzá Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In 2007 it became one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, according to an international vote organized by the private company New World Corporation, and in which more than one hundred million people participated.
Chichén Itzá architecture and its most representative buildings
- The Castle or Pyramid of Kukulcán
It is the largest and most imposing of the complex and, although it is no longer allowed to climb the steps, it can be seen from the esplanade that precedes it. At the top of the 25-meter building is the Temple of Kukulcán.
- Ball Game
It is the largest in Mesoamerica, measuring 70 meters wide by 169 meters long. Apparently, the game consisted of putting a rubber ball in the hoop that is at the top of the wall, using elbows, knees and, above all, the hips. The game had ritual and religious overtones.
- Group of the Thousand Columns
This impressive construction boasts an infinity of carved columns with scenes featuring priests and warriors. They used to hold up a vault that has been lost.
- The Observatory or Caracol
This original circular enclosure allowed the ancient Mayans to make precise astronomical calculations.
- Sacred Cenote
It has been proven that human sacrifices and various rituals were performed to request favors from the gods, as jewels of maidens have been found, as well as bones of adults and children.
- Temple of the Warriors
Named for the warlike motifs in its murals, this temple shelters the famous Chac Mool of Chichén Itzá (sculpture dedicated to Chaac, the god of rain).
What to eat during your visit to Chichén Itzá?
Yucatecan food is varied and delicious, as well as being known throughout the world. Near Chichén, in the town of Pisté or in the city of Valladolid, you will find restaurants that prepare recipes in the old-fashioned way. And in Mérida, let alone!
Eggs from Motuleños or with chaya are traditional for breakfast. For lunch or dinner, the typical thing is pork prepared in a thousand ways (roasted and marinated in orange juice, as in poc-chuc), in beans with pork or in cochinita pibil.
