Dzibilchaltún Archaeological Site
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MERIDA, YUCATAN, MEXICO
While cruising the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, the Ruins of Dzibilchaltún is an amazing place to witness history when cruising to or from Yucatan, Mexico. The ruins of Dzibilchaltún are located in Mérida, Mexico. They were a large settlement in the 1500’s. Over time, they fluctuated in size but at one time, archaeologists estimate there were approximately 200,000 inhabitants and 8,400 structures during its history. Artifacts track it back to the classic period 700 - 800 A.D. Some of the highlights of this zone are the Temple of Dolls, the Open Chapel, a large plaza, an amphitheater, and sacbe (roadway) trails. |
The name Dzibilchaltún means “writing on flat stones”. Although it is not as big and popular as Chichen Itza or Uxmal, it is a worthwhile site to see. The city was once a wealthy port and Mayan coastal trade center. But the population fell off when Chichen Itza rose to power.
To this day, restoration continues on Dzibilchaltún of which more than 21 square miles are being researched by international archaeologists. They have identified about 8,000 structures but only a small segment of those have been excavated.
Because of the long history of this site, they have added an on-site museum that’s full of great artifacts on features on the buildings.
The Temple of the Dolls was an impressive building built on the base of a pyramid. It had one short tower on the roof and stelae in front of the building. It was discovered in the 1950’s by archaeologists. There were remains of a larger pyramid that was built on top of the Temple of the Dolls. The Maya were known for erecting temples on top of temples. The temple has great significance to the god of corn, “Yum Kax”. There is no other Mayan Temple known to have windows; the Mayas built this complex structure in a way that only twice a year, during the Spring and Fall Equinox (March 21 and September 22), the sun strikes right through the window. The Temple of the Seven Dolls is proof that the Mayas had great knowledge of astronomy and geometry. This temple maps the solar cycle which they used for agriculture; they would start planting crops once the Spring equinox occurred, and harvest after the Autum equinox.
The Open Chapel is connected by the sacbe from the Temple of the Dolls. Some of the buildings here were dismantled by the Spanish in the 16th century, and used to build their own structures. The 16th century Fransiscan Church was one they built but it is now lying in ruins at the site.
There is also a beautiful freshwater cenote “Xlakah” on the site located on the side of the main plaza. This was probably one of the main reasons the Maya chose this location to build their city. The cenote has depths of 144 feet and visitors are welcome to bring their bathing suit and go for a refreshing dip in the cool water. Learn more about Yucatan tours and attractions and cruising to or from Mérida, Mexico, with Yucatan Cruises.
To this day, restoration continues on Dzibilchaltún of which more than 21 square miles are being researched by international archaeologists. They have identified about 8,000 structures but only a small segment of those have been excavated.
Because of the long history of this site, they have added an on-site museum that’s full of great artifacts on features on the buildings.
The Temple of the Dolls was an impressive building built on the base of a pyramid. It had one short tower on the roof and stelae in front of the building. It was discovered in the 1950’s by archaeologists. There were remains of a larger pyramid that was built on top of the Temple of the Dolls. The Maya were known for erecting temples on top of temples. The temple has great significance to the god of corn, “Yum Kax”. There is no other Mayan Temple known to have windows; the Mayas built this complex structure in a way that only twice a year, during the Spring and Fall Equinox (March 21 and September 22), the sun strikes right through the window. The Temple of the Seven Dolls is proof that the Mayas had great knowledge of astronomy and geometry. This temple maps the solar cycle which they used for agriculture; they would start planting crops once the Spring equinox occurred, and harvest after the Autum equinox.
The Open Chapel is connected by the sacbe from the Temple of the Dolls. Some of the buildings here were dismantled by the Spanish in the 16th century, and used to build their own structures. The 16th century Fransiscan Church was one they built but it is now lying in ruins at the site.
There is also a beautiful freshwater cenote “Xlakah” on the site located on the side of the main plaza. This was probably one of the main reasons the Maya chose this location to build their city. The cenote has depths of 144 feet and visitors are welcome to bring their bathing suit and go for a refreshing dip in the cool water. Learn more about Yucatan tours and attractions and cruising to or from Mérida, Mexico, with Yucatan Cruises.
- OPEN DAILY -
- 8:00am - 4:00pm -
- 8:00am - 4:00pm -
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Learn more about the Ruins of Dzibilchaltún by visiting this informative website.
Updated1/12/21 - lls