🌿 Palenque
Mexico
About This Sacred Site
Palenque is one of the finest examples of Maya architecture, nestled in the lush rainforest of Chiapas. The site reached its zenith during the 7th century under the rule of K'inich Janaab Pakal, whose elaborately carved sarcophagus was discovered deep within the Temple of the Inscriptions. The Palace complex, with its distinctive four-story tower believed to be an astronomical observatory, dominates the center. Only about 10% of the ancient city has been excavated, with hundreds more structures hidden beneath the jungle canopy.
Key Facts
- •The tomb of King Pakal, discovered in 1952, is one of the greatest Maya archaeological finds
- •Only about 10% of the total city area has been excavated
- •The Palace tower may have been used as an astronomical observatory
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987
- •The Temple of the Inscriptions contains one of the longest Maya hieroglyphic texts known
Location
Coordinates: 17.4838, -92.0461
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