El Castillo
The
massive Kukulcán pyramid called "El Castillo" (the
castle) is roughly at the center of the site. Climbing it is quite a
challenge and those who make it are rewarded with a spectacular view
of the city and surrounding country side. A trip inside the pyramid
is quite the opposite. The dark, unbearably humid corridors and chambers
are too much for some people.
Early morning,
before the onslaught of tourists, Chichén Itzá is a
magical place. I had the opportunity to wander around the site for
two hours before the gates were opened one day. Watching the massive
pyramid take shape through the lifting fog is an experience I will
not soon forget
Above: view
towards the Great Pyramid, with the Platform of Venus in foreground
The
construction of the Kukulcán Pyramid at Chichén Itzá
was planned so that each Vernal Equinox the dying sun would cast a
shadow of a serpent writhing down the steps of the pyramid. Every
year over 40,000 people make the trek to the great pyramid to watch
in awe as the snakes diamond backed body slowly appears. (Sorry don't
have that picture but I'll try and locate one)
If you stand
facing the foot of the temple and shout the echo comes back as a piercing
shriek. Also, a person standing on the top step can speak in a normal
voice and be heard by those at ground level for some distance. This
quality is also shared by another Mayan pyramid at Tikal.
Onward
to the
Temple of the Warriors
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El Castillo
The
massive Kukulcán pyramid called "El Castillo" (the
castle) is roughly at the center of the site. Climbing it is quite a
challenge and those who make it are rewarded with a spectacular view
of the city and surrounding country side. A trip inside the pyramid
is quite the opposite. The dark, unbearably humid corridors and chambers
are too much for some people.
Early morning, before the onslaught of tourists, Chichén Itzá is a magical place. I had the opportunity to wander around the site for two hours before the gates were opened one day. Watching the massive pyramid take shape through the lifting fog is an experience I will not soon forget
Above: view towards the Great Pyramid, with the Platform of Venus in foreground
The
construction of the Kukulcán Pyramid at Chichén Itzá
was planned so that each Vernal Equinox the dying sun would cast a
shadow of a serpent writhing down the steps of the pyramid. Every
year over 40,000 people make the trek to the great pyramid to watch
in awe as the snakes diamond backed body slowly appears. (Sorry don't
have that picture but I'll try and locate one)
If you stand facing the foot of the temple and shout the echo comes back as a piercing shriek. Also, a person standing on the top step can speak in a normal voice and be heard by those at ground level for some distance. This quality is also shared by another Mayan pyramid at Tikal.
Onward to the
Temple of the Warriors
Mysterious Places ^ Mayan Home ^ webmaster ^ about the photographer
Click here if you want to use images and text from this site
Visit the new Mysterious Places Store
Books, Fine Art Prints, Calendars, and More!
Click Here!