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The Pyramid of Kukúlcan
or El Castillo

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Rising above the grassy plain in the center of Chichén Itzá is the giant Pyramid of Kukulcán. Early Spanish visitors to the city referred to the pyramid as El Castillo (The Castle).

Two of the four sides of this imposing structure have been restored. Originally each side had 91 steps and with the addition of the platform at the top there are 365 steps, one for each day of the year. Further evidence that this building was linked to the Maya interest in astronomy and calendars can be seen at both the spring and autumn equinox

Here are two drawings of the Pyramid complex the first leading from the ballcourt complex the other from on top of the Temple of the Warriors.

The Castle is composed of two structures superimposed on one another. The later pyramid was built over an earlier structure. The newer pyramid is about 55 meters (180 feet) on each side and has nine stepped sections (terraces) rising up to 24 meters (78 feet). Archeologists believe that the nine different floors symbolized the "Region of the Dead" to the ancient Maya.

Climbing to the top of the Castle one has an excellent view of the surrounding area of Chichén Itza. Here visitors will also find the upper temple with many images of Chaac, the Maya rain god.

In the temple which stood on top of the older structure archeologists discovered the throne of the jaguar and a statue of the mysterious Chac-Mool figure which is found throughout Chichén Itza.

At the foot of the Northern stairway are found the giant serpent heads representing Kukulcán, the god of the Maya-Toltec conquerors.

In the mid 19th century explorers John Stevens and Frederick Catherwood remarked on the impressive structure which they found.

El Castillio was the first building that we saw and from every point of view the grandest and most conspicuous object that towers above the plain. On the ground at the foot of the staircase are two colossal serpents' heads, ten feet in length, with mouths wide-open and tongues protruding. No doubt they were emblematic of some religious belief.

Single doorways on top of the mounds (have) lintels of sapote wood covered with elaborate carvings ...and ornamented with sculptured figures ...much worn but the head-dress, ornamented with a plume of feathers and portions of the rich attire still remain.

We passed a whole day within this lofty chamber, from time to time stepping out upon the platform to look down upon the ruined building of the ancient city, and an immense field stretching on all sides beyond.

(Excerpted from Travels in the Yucatan, Stephens & Catherwood pp. 229-231).

[Based on Let's Learn about Chichén-Itzá , Chichén-Itzá: The City of the Wise Men of the Water. by Roman Chan, All About the Mayas. by C. Dorese. published by Producción Editorial Dante (Mérida, Mexico) and Incidents of Travel in the Yucatan by Stephens and Catherwood published by Smithsonian Institute Press (Washington D.C.). All available in paperback and highly recommended.]



The Pyramid of Kukúlcan
constructed 1100-1300 A.D.
Maya Toltec Architectural Style
Click for larger image.



Catherwood drawing of El Castillo from the mid 19th Century. Click on the image for a larger version.



Serpent's head at the foot of
the Northern stairway
Click for larger image.



Photogrpah of the pyramid taken during January 1998 visit to Chichen Itza.
Click for larger image.



Temple of the Jaguar and the Ball Court as seen from the top of the pyramid. Click for larger image.



View of the surrounding countryside as seen from on top of the pyramid. Click for larger image.



View of the Temple of the Warriors as seen from on top of the pyramid. Click for larger image.

Pages Created: Wednesday, 4-March-98
URL: http://www.best.com/~swanson/maya/eg_maya_chichen_index
Photographs by L.Swanson and where indicated,
images © 1999 arttoday.com (used with permission)
Web pages written and designed by L.C. Swanson.