Chichen Itza is an archaeological zone in Mexico that dates back to the pre- Hispanic era. It is situated in the eastern region of the state of Yucatan and serves as the pride of the country. Apart from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archaeological zone is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Chichen Itza, with its structures deep-rooted in history, serves as the perfect place for those who love to delve into the past and explore it. Built as per a multitude of architectural styles, the site is a marvel in itself and continues to draw visitors from across the globe. In the following lines, we have provided some more fun and interesting facts about Chichen Itza.
Fun & Interesting Facts about Chichen Itza
- Chichen Itza is a pre-Columbian archaeological zone that is situated in the eastern region of Yucatan State of Mexico.
- Chichen Itza was built by the Maya civilization.
- Chichen Itza is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Chichen Itza has been declared as a World Heritage Site, by UNESCO.
- El Castillo, a structure in Chichen Itza, experiences an unusual phenomenon every year, during the spring equinox. The sunrays falling in the pyramid create a shadow down its stairs, which looks like an image of a descending plumed serpent.
- Juego de Pelota, another structure in Chichen Itza, is the largest ball court in Mesoamerica. It measures 168 meters in length and 70 meters in width.
- Cenote Sagrado is a large sinkhole in Chichen Itza, which measures 60 meters in diameter.
- The Grupo de las Mil Columnas (Group of 1,000 Columns) is an arcade in Chichen Itza. It comprises of a series of columns and is spread over an area of 110 sq. meters (363 sq. feet).
- The Observatorio (observatory) in Chichen Itza is called Caracol. Quite sophisticated for its time, the structure allows one to appreciate the scientific and astronomical achievements of the Mayans.
- The church in Chichen Itza is known as La Iglesia. It is constructed out of stone and stands festooned with images of Rain God - Chaac, apart from geometrical figures.
- Piramide de Kukulcan (Pyramid of Kulkulcan) is another interesting structure in Chichen Itza, with its bottom and top of the stairways adorned with several large serpent heads.
- Chichen Itza is open daily, from 8:00 to 5:00, while the admission is free on Sundays.
- Chichen Itza represents the blend of a number of architectural styles, right from the Mexican styles to the Puuc styles.
- Chichen Itza is maintained by National Institute of Anthropology and History (Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, INAH), Mexico.
- The name ‘Chichen Itza’ literally means ‘At the mouth of the well of the Itza’.
- In Chichen Itza, each of the structures has a name of its own.
- The Temple of the Warriors is one of the most impressive structures at Chichen Itza.
- Pelota Court is the main ball court in Chichen Itza and also the largest and best preserved ball courts in the world.
