Palenque - the largest ruins of the ancient Mayan city, located in the north-east of the Mexican state of Chiapas. It found more than a thousand buildings, occupying a total of 15 square meters. km, only a part of them has been thoroughly studied and restored. A few kilometers east of the ruins is the modern Palenque.
Access to the territory is open from 8.00 to 17.00. The services of an English-speaking guide are provided.
History and culture
In the name of Palenque, the city was called by the Spaniards, at the time of Maya it was called Lacam-ha - "Big Water". Originating around 100 AD. e., the settlement reached its heyday in the period from 630 to 740 years. The brightest and most influential ruler of Palenque was Pacal, or, as his loyal subjects called, the "Solar Shield". It was during the years of his rule that most of the buildings were erected in the city.
After 900, Palenque was emptied. The surrounding area is known for the highest level of rainfall in Mexico, so that gradually the city disappeared behind thick tropical thickets and fell into oblivion until the year 1746 when the Spaniards discovered it.
In the following time, numerous archaeological expeditions visited here, but to this day, unexpected finds are revealed, gradually revealing the secrets of this mysterious place.
Where is and how to get to Palenque
The nearest airport to the complex (about two hours drive) is Villahermosa International Airport. From Moscow it is more convenient to fly through Amsterdam to Mexico City, from where it will be necessary to make an internal flight to Villahermosa. Travel time - from 20 to 35 hours.
The bus from Villahermosa can be reached in 2, 5 hours, from San Cristobal de las Casas and Campeche - 5 hours, from Mérida - 10 hours, from Cancún - 13 hours, from Mexico - 16 hours. ±$ br >
From the city to the ruins about 6 km. During the day, every 10-15 minutes back and forth a shuttle taxi runs.
Shopping
Near the museum is a shop where you can buy souvenirs and products of local craftsmen. A variety of handicrafts "in the style of the Maya" are offered by street vendors outside the main entrance.
Pyramids and temples of Palenque
A group of Temples of the Cross is formed by three pyramids: the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Cross and the Temple of the Deciduous Cross. The complex was built by the son of Pakal, Kan Balam II in 692. The design used cross-shaped images, symbolizing the tree of the seiba, which, according to the Mayan beliefs the universe relied on, and the images of Kahn Balam II and Pakal themselves.
The palace is the residence of the rulers of Lakam-Ha. The size of this grandiose structure is 104 to 80 meters, from the ground the Palace is separated by a three-meter terrace. The interior space is divided into 4 inner courtyards with a labyrinth of corridors and rooms. In the center is a four-storeyed tower of the observatory. To the north side, there is a playground for the ball to the Palace.
The temple of inscriptions is a nine-step pyramid, the total number of steps in which is 69 - by the number of years of King Pakal's reign. The name of the temple was given after the discovery of a plate with a description of the history of Lakam-ha. In 1952, a tomb was found inside the pyramid with Pakal's sarcophagus.
A characteristic feature of the Palenque architecture are numerous bas-reliefs of stucco - a special kind of plaster.
In the north-east the city is crossed by the Arroyo River Otolum. Falling down by waterfalls through small terraces, it forms natural baths known as the "Baths of the Queen."
Excursions, entertainment and attractions
There is a museum on the territory that holds archaeological finds, including a copy of the upper part of the Pakal sarcophagus (the original is kept in the National Archaeological Museum in Mexico City).
5 km from the ruins is the legendary tourist camp El Panchan - a favorite place of bohemian Mexican youth, as well as a haven of archaeologists and anthropologists. The Maya Exploration Center organizes lectures on weekends at El Panchan, shows slideshows and documentaries about the history of Maya. Here you can also spend the night in a camping, bungalow or even a common sleeping room equipped with hammocks.
| View of the city of Palenque |
| Gift shop in Palenque |
| Ancient painting in Palenque |
| Carving in the Temple of Inscriptions |
| Temple of inscriptions |
| Ancient statuette in the Palenque Museum |