the oval-shaped Pyramid of the Magician, the most characteristic building at the Maya site Uxmal
Uxmal is the most important Maya site along what has become known as the Ruta Puuc, in western Yucatan. Evidence of pottery shows that the site was already occupied by 800 BC, but most of the architecture for which the site is famous dates from what is called the Late Classical period, 600-900 AD.
the plan for the Uxmal site, with the distribution of the various groups of buildings
There are several groups of buildings. The most eye catching structure is the oval-shaped 28 meters high Pyramid of the Magician, with a temple at the top. Another impressive group of buildings is called the Nunnery Quadrangle – nothing to do with nuns, of course, the name being given by the Spanish colonials. Here, four exquisitely decorated buildings surround a large courtyard. Outside this, steps lead to a well-preserved – and restored – ball court, and then up to the lovely decorated House of the Turtles and to the Palace of the Governor. On the side is another pyramid, called the Great Pyramid, with stairs all the way to the top, which may be climbed. Next to this is the so-called Pigeon House, with its remarkable façade. There is much more about Uxmal on https://www.themayanruinswebsite.com/uxmal.html
Here just a few more of my photographs, with a focus on the decorations.
typical Ruta Puuc decorations around the Pyramid of the Magician
close up of the decorations
one of the buildings of the Nunnery Quadrangle
example of the exquisite facade decoration of one of the Nunnary buildings
the snake head and tail, same facade
mask decoration on the Nunnary facade
small sculpture of a warrior on the facade
another little sculpture, same facade
and this one, tiny in comparison
another of the Nunnary buildings, the north building
a throne in front of the north building, with the request not to go and sit on it
one side of the ball court
the House of the Turtles
one of the turtles as decoration
and another one – they are all different!
the impressive Palace of the Governor
and one of the entrance arches to the Palace
here, again, fabulously detailed decorations
the Great Pyramid, ‘climbable’ all the way to the top temple
the House of the Pigeons
and there is some colour, and some fauna on the site, as well
flora and fauna taking on the same colour, occasionally
