Pre-Hispanic site, an archaeological area called the Gran Nivelacion, which was surrounded by a protective wall
The original pre-Hispanic site is excessively vast, more than twenty square kilometers: various complexes are connected to the center of the city by the sacbés, these limestone causeways. The presence of water, there are at least five cenotes, would explain the establishment of the city on this territory. This echoes the meaning of the name of the place in Maya: Chi (mouth), chén (well), Itz (sorcerer), ha (water). A second translation is nevertheless proposed, "the city of the Itzáes", which evokes the ruling class of the city. The first thing that impresses is the volume and imposing nature of the buildings: even the ball game seems to be two or three times the size of those in the region. Given the length of time the site has been occupied, its monumental buildings have been constantly modified over time; they are situated around large squares built by terracing and leveling. The heart of the city, corresponding to the archaeological area that we visit today, is called the Gran Nivelación and was surrounded by a protective wall. Its emblematic building remains without any doubt the pyramid Kukulcán or El Castillo, dedicated to the feathered serpent. Note for the explorers: given the tourist affluence (it is the most visited site of the Mayan culture, classified in the world heritage of the UNESCO and elected in 2007 as one of the seven wonders of the world), none of the buildings is accessible to the public; here one touches with the eyes...
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Opening time and information on ZONA ARQUEOLÓGICA DE CHICHÉN ITZÁ
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last visit at 4 p.m.). Admission: $615.
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