A short guide to Chichen Itza

As I already told you, I’m crazy about ethnic cultures. One that I adore most is the culture of the Ancient Maya. Everyone heard about it, but it’s quite another thing to witness the remnants of this magnificent civilization with your own eyes. On my trip to Mexico last year I visited Chichen Itza, one of the major Mayan cities on the Yucatan Peninsula that survived till modern days.

The city was built somewhere around 750 AD and flourished after 900 AD as the regional capital that controlled the entire northern coast. It was a center of trade, science, art and religion. Elaborate architecture, stunning temples and limestone sculptures are found all over the place.

The first thing you should see upon arriving in the city is El Castillo, the ancient Temple of Kukulkan, a feathered serpent deity from the Mayan pantheon. This 30 meter high step pyramid is sure to take your breath away! On Equinox, it casts seven triangular shadows that move on the ground like a wriggling snake. This amazing optical illusion symbolizes the arrival of Kukulkan on earth to bless his worshippers with good health and abundant crops.

Other must-visit sights include the Temple of the Warriors flanked by hundreds of warrior sculptures, the Sacred Cenote (a lake in the heart of the jungle where the Maya performed their rituals) and the Great Ball Court (did you know that the Maya loved baseball too? :) I can’t possibly tell you everything in one posting, but you can read more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chichen_Itza. If you ever happen to be in Mexico, definitely put Chicen Itza on your traveling route!