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Chichen Itza
Chichén Itzá , the most famous Mayan temple city, served as the political and economic center of the Mayan civilization. Its various structures - the pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of the Thousand Pillars, and the Playing Field of the Prisoners – can still be seen today and are demonstrative of an extraordinary commitment to architectural space and composition. The pyramid itself was the last, and arguably the greatest, of all Mayan temples.
Tourist Attractions:
The site contains many fine stone buildings in various states of preservation; the buildings were formerly used as temples, palaces, stages, markets, baths, and ballcourts.
El Castillo: Dominating the center of Chichén is the Temple of Kukulcan (the Maya name for Quetzalcoatl), often referred to as "El Castillo" (the castle).
Temple of the Warriors: The Temple of the Warriors complex consists of a large stepped pyramid fronted and flanked by rows of carved columns depicting warriors.
The Great Ball Court: Archaeologists have identified seven courts for playing the Mesoamerican ballgame in Chichén itza , but the Great Ball Court about 150 meters to the north-west of the Castillo is by far the most impressive.
High Priest's Temple: One of the more notable structures at Chichen Itza is a complex of Terminal Classic buildings constructed in the Puuc architectural style. The Spanish nicknamed this complex Las Monjas ("The Nuns" or "The Nunnery") but was actually a governmental palace.
El Caracol: This structure was an observatory with its doors aligned to view the vernal equinox, the Moon's greatest northern and southern declinations, and other astronomical events sacred to Kukulcan, the feathered-serpent god of the wind and learning.
Akab Dzib: Located to the east of the Caracol, Akab Dzib means, in Maya, "The House of Mysterious Writing."
Old Chichen: "Old Chichen" is the nickname for a group of structures to the south of the central site. It includes the Initial Series Group, the Phallic Temple, the Platform of the Great Turtle, the Temple of the Owls, and the Temple of the Monkeys.
Caves of Balankanche: In the caves, a large selection of ancient pottery and idols may be seen still in the positions where they were left in pre-Columbian times. Goa Holidays