ACROPOLIS

The Acropolis is made up of a series of monuments built between the foundation of Copán and the fall of the last dynasty. The Acropolis was accessible only to the king and his court, and was mainly used for political meetings. Religious sacrifices were also performed here. The first structures in the Acropolis were designed by the first king. To build a temple, a foundation was first created, on which the stone blocks were placed. With each new dynasty, the old temple was partially or totally destroyed, and new constructions were built on the old foundations. The king was usually buried in the foundations of a temple or palace he had built during his reign.

The buildings we see today were commissioned by the last king of the dynasty, Yax Pasaj. His tomb is located in the pyramid of temple 18, which was unfortunately ransacked.

The Acropolis is organized around two courtyards - the Western Plaza and the Eastern Plaza - separated by temple 16 in the center. A small cemetery (Conjunto del Cementerio, not to be confused with the Conjunto de las Sepulturas, 3 kilometers to the northeast) adjoins it to the south.

Temple 16. In the center of the Acropolis, look out for Temple 16. This monument, which archaeologists believe was used for human sacrifice, was also a place of devotion to the ancestors. Today, it's famous for having unearthed the beautifully preserved Rosalila temple from its foundations.

Altar Q. Opposite this building, in the western plaza, stands the most important piece on the site, the altar Q(altar Q in Spanish), whose original has been moved to the museum for conservation purposes. On the faces of the altar, the history of Copán's sixteen dynasties is represented by the figure of the kings sitting on their names. On the west side, observe the two kings seated facing each other: on the left, the first king K'inich Yax K'uk'Mo symbolically hands over power to the last king Yax Pasaj. Note the symbols and fantastical animals that give the monument a deeply religious character.

Stele P. North of altar Q, stele P represents the eleventh king, Smoking Serpent. This is the oldest stele in Copán. It was moved from its original location in the ^8th century, for reasons that remain unknown.

Temple 11. Just to the north of this stele is Temple 11, or "Temple of the Inscriptions", commemorating Yax Pasaj's accession to the throne. Ceremonies and rituals were performed here by the king for his court. You can see the platform formed by the staircases where the spectators were seated.

Tunnels. In the east courtyard. To be frank, this visit is not essential unless you want to know the site in its entirety. Only a few corridors are open to the public out of the 4 kilometers currently known beneath the Acropolis. Archaeologists have discovered some of the oldest Mayan structures, as well as tombs of caciques and other important figures. The first tunnel, known as the "Jaguars" tunnel (under structure 19), reveals ancient latrines and the tomb of Galindo; the second, known as the Rosalila tunnel (under temple 16), reveals the original stucco temple, but not much else.

Templo Rosalila. It's possible to catch a glimpse of the ruins of the Rosalila temple in one of the tunnels (although they are very expensive for what you can see). Instead, we recommend a visit to the sculpture museum to appreciate its magnificent replica. The original was found by chance beneath the structure of Temple 16 in June 1989. This temple, built in honor of the tenth king of Copán, has an elaborate stone structure: 13 m high, spread over 3 floors, all covered in painted stucco. The sculptures on the first level show a celestial bird, the famous quetzal, whose open mouth reveals the figure of the sun king. The rest of the temple is dominated by the representation of a gigantic mask: the Huitz monster. The temple is said to have been built for religious purposes, and the king would have sacrificed here in order to communicate with his ancestors.

Jaguar Tunnel. From the eastern square, or "Jaguar Square", so named because of the representation of two felines guarding the entrance to a staircase for centuries, you'll find the Jaguar Tunnel on one side and Temple 22 on the other. The Tunnel of the Jaguars is home to beautiful sculptures and the remains of what may have been a latrine.

Temple 22, considered the "Sacred Mountain", contains several rooms that symbolize the Mayan cosmos. It is thought that the king performed numerous rituals and sacrifices here.

Popol Nah. Right next to this temple is the "Popol Nah" or "House of the People" (structure 22A). Here, the king would gather with his court to discuss matters concerning the destiny of his people.

If you defy the eye of the jaguars and climb the stairs, you'll reach a platform from which you'll have an exceptional view of the Ball Game... magic! Take your time to understand the different monuments on the Acropolis and how they are organized. There are also a few explanatory panels to help you once you're there. Soak up the incredible atmosphere of this unique site.