traveldk.com

The pyramid’s base measures 738 ft (225 m) along each side. A tunnel under the main staircase leads to small chambers of ceremonial importance. A monumental staircase with 248 steep steps and five landings rises 213 ft (65 m) to a flat platform that once supported a temple.

The oldest and most important pyramid stands at the north end of the Avenue of the Dead. Recent archeological excavations have revealed several burial sites within, that have sacrificial victims and exquisite offerings.

From the Pyramid of the Moon a 1-mile (2-km) long road leads to the Citadel, and continues another 2 miles (3 km) beyond the excavations. The 131-ft (40-m) wide road is lined with nearly identical buildings which the Aztecs mistakenly believed to be tombs when they named the road. Archeologists believe that these were used to house civic, government, and religious functions.

Three main palaces in the complex are believed to have been the residence of the Pyramid of the Moon’s High Priest (see Palace of Quetzalpapalotl ).

The pyramid built around AD 200 is ornately decorated with sculptures of feathered serpents, the rain god Tláloc, and the mythical crocodile-like symbols for fertile land. Numerous grave sites containing sacrificial victims and soldiers have been found within the pyramid.

The museum displays artifacts found on-site, as well as archeology, architecture, and history exhibits. The glass floor in the main room covers a scale model of the site. Outside, the shady botanical garden is an excellent place to relax.

This huge compound with its massive central pyramid is surrounded by walls that measure 1,312 ft (400 m) on each side. The massive walls of the compound are 23-ft (7-m) high with pyramidal structures on top.

The most important and colorful murals of the site cover the walls of this dwelling complex. Richly detailed red, green, and yellow murals depict Tláloc and his watery universe. Other murals include a priest sowing seeds and people swimming and playing.

Located west of the loop road, this complex of dwellings illustrates how buildings were constructed and reconstructed over hundreds of years. Fragments of intricate murals adorn many of the walls within this compound.

This major dwelling complex has its own small altar, and many finely detailed murals depicting jaguars, coyotes, birds, and human figures. The complex is located to the west across the loop road.

Jaguar Mural, along the Avenue of the Dead