Friday July 13, 2007, 13:46
administrador

One of the World's New 7 Wonders, this archeological site is dedicated to the worship of Kukulcan, the feathered serpent god, CHICHEN ITZA was the most important civic and religious center of the Mayas and known also as the capital of the Mayan empire, This was also the destination of pilgrims from all regions of Mesoamerica, the object of numerous studies of solar and astronomical symbolism, the majestic temples of Chichen Itza still guard the mystery of this great race. An adventure full of mystical myths, charm and fascination.

Chichen Itza's main bulidings

El Castillo

Dominating the center of Chichén is the Temple of Kukulcan, often referred to as "El Castillo". This step pyramid with a ground plan of square terraces with stairways up each of the 4 sides to the temple on top. On the Spring and Fall equinox, at the rising and setting of the sun, the corner of the structure casts a shadow in the shape of a plumed serpent - Kukulcan, or Quetzalcoatl - along the side of the North staircase. On these two days, the shadows from the corner tiers slither down the northern side of the pyramid with the sun's movement.

Temple of the Warriors

The Temple of the Warriors complex consists of a large stepped pyramid fronted and flanked by rows of carved columns depicting warriors.  At the top of the stairway on the pyramid’s summit (and leading towards the entrance of the pyramid’s temple) is a Chac Mool.

Ballcourt

Chichén's ballcourt, with its about 150 meters to the north-west of the Castillo is impressive. It is the largest ballcourt in ancient Mesoamerica. It measures 166 by 68 meters (545 by 232 feet). The sides of the interior of the ballcourt are lined with sculpted panels depicting teams of ball players, with the captain of the losing team being decapitated.

El Caracol

A large square platform nicknamed El Caracol or "the snail" for the stone spiral staircase inside. This structure was an observatory with its doors aligned to view the vernal equinox, the Moon's greatest northern and southern declinations, and other astronomical events sacred to Kukulcan, the feathered-serpent god of the wind and learning.

Thursday July 12, 2007, 13:26
administrador

Technorati Profile

Thursday July 12, 2007, 12:51
administrador

Hello!

This is our attempt to start a new service in the Olympus Tours service sheet: A blog about our main destinations, Cancun and Riviera Maya.

Our plan is simple: write about our city and offer useful information for the tourist and even the locals; specially designed to tell you about the ambiance, local customs and places to see in the lovely destination at the Caribbean Sea. Also, we shall inform you about the main events Olympus Tours performs.

Wednesday July 11, 2007, 17:37
angel

Olympus Tours blog coming soon