Xochicalco: Central Plaza
The curious alignment of the Central Plaza not only indicates that it was purpose-built for observation, but may also reveal the identity of Xochicalco’s builders.
Xochicalco: A Brief History
With an intense but small period of occupancy, between 650-900AD, and home to many cultural and artistic influences, Xochicalco’s rapid rise and fall is one of Mesoamerica’s greatest mysteries,
Xochicalco: Ball-Courts (Teotlachtli)
Xochicalco has three sacred ball-courts, known as teotlachtli, which feature very different designs and may have fulfilled very different political and religious functions
Xochicalco: Plaza of the Two Glyphs
The Plaza of the Two Glyphs is a spectacular space, overlooking the valley below and featuring Xochicalco;s finest buildings – though it is curiously cut off from the city centre,
Xochicalco: The Observatory and Caves
Xochicalco features a very precise zenith-tube, which will illuminate a cave floor with a very bright light when the sun moves directly overhead – but obviously this isn’t all it does!
Xochicalco: Temple of the Stelae
With spectacular views of the surrounding valley, the Pyramid of the Stelea is one of Xochicalco’s most incredible monumental structures and home to three mysteriously buried Stelae.
Xochicalco: Pyramid of the Plumed Serpents
The Pyramid of the Plumed Serpents is an enigma that has led to many theories, though none explain the purpose of the magnificent serpents that dominate its walls.
Xochicalco
The majestic ruins of Xochicalco sprawl across a hilltop 10 miles south of Cuernavaca. Despite the incredible engineering skills and man-power involved, no-one is sure exactly who built the city.