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Xochicalco

Xochicalco
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Description

Xochicalco is a mystical sanctuary, located in the state of Morelos, 38 km from Cuernavaca. Translated from the ancient Mayan language – Nahuatl – its name means "the house of flowers". After the fall of the city of Teotihuacan this city was one of the major ceremonial centers of era. The apogee of its development took place in the years 650-900 AD.

This archaeological site is the fourth most visited in the country. The landmark building of Xochikalco is the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent, located in the city square. It is famous by the bas-reliefs depicting the deity wrapped around the walls on all sides. The style of images, according to scientists, reveals the influence of Teotihuacan and Mayan art.

It is believed that the Feathered Serpent was a deity of the city's elite, as most of the samples of architecture associated with it are in the highest part of the city, a place with the limited access. The residents of the city worshiped to the deity, representing the earth and all its benefits (animals, plants, etc.), and to the god of wind, rain and water – Tlaloc too. The grand ceremonies, which took place on the square of the Stele of the Two Glyphs, were devoted to Tlaloc. The square has a mysterious acoustics: if clap at its center, the sound you hear will be similar to the clink of a red macaw.

In Xochikalco you'll also see the underground solar observatory, pyramids, palaces, three fields to play a ball, an unusual raw of round altars and the cave with the carved steps. Underground solar observatory is one of the main attractions for visitors of Xochikalco. When the sun passes through the zenith on May, 14 and 15, and July, 28 and 29, the solar ray passes through a narrow opening in the ceiling of the observatory and projects itself on the floor. They say that if you put your hand under the ray of light, you can see something like X-ray picture on the cave floor.

In 1999, Xochicalco was taken under the protection of UNESCO. Visiting the settlement of pre-Columbian era, you'll provide the unforgettable memories to yourself.

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Contact information

T. +52.55 5668 3255, +52.55 5668 3146 


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