Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco
Location: Morelos, Mexico
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco is an ancient Mesoamerican city, built between the 7th and 10th centuries CE. Xochicalco is known for its unique architecture and for being a hub of cultural exchange in Mesoamerica.
Prominent Features:
History: Xochicalco was likely founded in the 7th century CE by the Olmec-Xicallanca people, who were likely influenced by the nearby city of Teotihuacan. Over time, Xochicalco became a hub of cultural exchange, with influences from various Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Maya and Toltec. The site was abandoned in the 10th century CE and rediscovered by the Spanish in the 16th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: Xochicalco offers various opportunities for families to explore the site, including guided tours and educational programs. Kids will enjoy climbing the structures and learning about the ancient civilization that once inhabited the area.
Fun Fact: The Temple of the Feathered Serpent is adorned with carvings of feathered serpents, which were a common motif in Mesoamerican art.
Entry Fees: 80 MXN for adults, free for children under 13 and Mexican nationals on Sundays.
How to Reach it: Xochicalco is located in the Miacatlán Municipality of Morelos, about 38 km southwest of Cuernavaca. Buses from Cuernavaca to Miacatlán run regularly. From Miacatlán, visitors can take a taxi or colectivo to the site.
From Mexico City, you can take a bus from the Taxqueña bus station to Cuernavaca and then transfer to another bus to Xochicalco, or take a direct bus from the Southern Terminal (TAPO) to Xochicalco.
Where to Stay: There are various accommodation options in the nearby city of Cuernavaca, including hotels, hostels, and rental apartments.
Next Stop: Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco is an ancient Mesoamerican city, built between the 7th and 10th centuries CE. Xochicalco is known for its unique architecture and for being a hub of cultural exchange in Mesoamerica.
Prominent Features:
- The Temple of the Feathered Serpent: A unique building featuring intricate carvings of feathered serpents on the walls.
- The Observatory: An astronomical observatory believed to have been used for studying the stars and planets.
- The Ballcourt: A large ballgame court where players would compete in a traditional Mesoamerican sport.
- The Plaza of the Two Glyphs: A plaza featuring two large stone carvings depicting the symbol for the sun and the symbol for the planet Venus.
- The Temple of the Plumed Butterfly: A temple dedicated to the goddess of fertility, featuring carvings of butterflies and plumed serpents.
- The House of the Astronomers: A residential complex believed to have been inhabited by astronomers and other scholars.
- The South Acropolis: A complex of buildings and courtyards that served as a residential area for the elite members of Xochicalco.
- The North Acropolis: A similar complex to the South Acropolis, but believed to have served as a religious and administrative center.
- The Fortifications: A series of walls and towers that surrounded Xochicalco and provided defense against invading forces.
- The Stele of the 12 Years: A large stone carving depicting the history and political alliances of Xochicalco.
- The Painted Temple: A temple featuring elaborate murals and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Xochicalco.
- The Sculpture Garden: An outdoor area featuring large stone sculptures of animals and mythological creatures.
- The Tomb of the Four Pillars: A burial chamber featuring four stone pillars believed to represent the four cardinal directions.
- The Plaza of the Stelae: A plaza featuring a collection of stone stelae, or tall upright stones, each with unique carvings and inscriptions.
- The Tlalocan Aqueduct: A system of stone channels and aqueducts that brought water to Xochicalco from nearby springs and streams.
History: Xochicalco was likely founded in the 7th century CE by the Olmec-Xicallanca people, who were likely influenced by the nearby city of Teotihuacan. Over time, Xochicalco became a hub of cultural exchange, with influences from various Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Maya and Toltec. The site was abandoned in the 10th century CE and rediscovered by the Spanish in the 16th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: Xochicalco offers various opportunities for families to explore the site, including guided tours and educational programs. Kids will enjoy climbing the structures and learning about the ancient civilization that once inhabited the area.
Fun Fact: The Temple of the Feathered Serpent is adorned with carvings of feathered serpents, which were a common motif in Mesoamerican art.
Entry Fees: 80 MXN for adults, free for children under 13 and Mexican nationals on Sundays.
How to Reach it: Xochicalco is located in the Miacatlán Municipality of Morelos, about 38 km southwest of Cuernavaca. Buses from Cuernavaca to Miacatlán run regularly. From Miacatlán, visitors can take a taxi or colectivo to the site.
From Mexico City, you can take a bus from the Taxqueña bus station to Cuernavaca and then transfer to another bus to Xochicalco, or take a direct bus from the Southern Terminal (TAPO) to Xochicalco.
Where to Stay: There are various accommodation options in the nearby city of Cuernavaca, including hotels, hostels, and rental apartments.
Next Stop: Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl