The History of El Castillo

El Castillo is the nickname for the breathtaking step-pyramid that looms at the center of Chichen Itza. It is the most impressive piece of architecture of the Mayan civilization left in the modern world. This popular tourist attraction is located on the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula and has become a testimony of the spiritual, domestic, and agricultural lives of these ancient people. While Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza are remnants of cities that were abandoned long before Europeans set foot on the Americas, this culture has influenced many areas of math, science and art, including architecture and astronomy, that sill affect us today.

Besides being the most intact Mayan ruin, El Castillo is unique for a couple of other reasons. The pyramid is believed to have been built around the Mayan calendar. It was designed in square terraces with stairways up each of the four sides of the temple. It was planned so that a shadow of a serpent writhing down the steps of the pyramid would be cast during the spring and autumn equinox. Every year thousands of people make the trek to the great pyramid to watch in awe as the snakes diamond backed body slowly appears. With steps—91 steps on each side and one top step—adding up to 365 and the 52 panels representing the number of years it takes for a calendar round date to recur, it is hard to ignore how much thought was put into the construction of this stunning structure.

Come and take a look back into history and enjoy the magic of this indigenous marvel.