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TRAVEL: Maya City Chichen Itza

August 11, 2008 – 12:31 pm

A Famous Archeological Site: Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a Maya civilization city located in the north of Mexico, in Yucatan Peninsula. Most probably, Chichen Itza was religion center of Yucatan. Today, it is one of the most important archeological sites of Mexico, everyday lots of people visit Chichen Itza.

When people in this region moved to somewhere else, Chichen Itza was left to its destiny. Some parts of the site were burned or collapsed. There are evidences showing that these were made intentionally. However, most parts of the site are still in good conditions. With excavations, many figures, parts, buildings were found.

You can find the name “Chichen Itza” interesting; it is the original name of the site. Chichen Itza means “At the mouth of the well of the Itza” in Maya language. Chichen Itza is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

There are baths, ballrooms, temples, shops, and palaces in the site. Temple of the Warriors is in the shape of a pyramid. On the walls of the temple, there are depictions of warriors. Another temple found in Chichen Itza is High Priest’s Temple. This temple is small compared with the other buildings. One of the greatest constructions of the site is Castillo. It is also called as the Temple of Kukulkan. In many photographs of Chichen Itza, you can see this step pyramid building. From four sides of it, there are stairs to the top. A feature of Castillo makes it unique in the world. During sunset and sunrise, from the corner of it, a shadow in the shape of a serpent appears. It is Kukulcan and there are visitors coming only to see this mysterious event. Playing ballgame was very popular at these old ages. In site Chichen Itza, seven ballrooms were found. The biggest of them is the Great Ball Court. The court is located near Castillo. Inside the building, on the walls there are paintings of ball gaming and ball players. El Caracol is one of the parts of Chichen Itza worth to see. It takes its name from the snail shape of the building. The stone was carved in a spiral shape. It is predicted that El Caracol was used as observation room. Sun, moon, stars were observed and the building was designed to watch the movements of the sun.

After visiting the site, seeing caves of Balankanche is recommended. The caves are very close to Chichen Itza. They are accepted as sacred. Many items, pottery, paintings of Maya civilization can be found in the caves. The exploration of Balankanche caves is very new. Only after 19th century, with excavations they were found.

Tourism and Chichen Itza
Maya civilization is a popular topic in our modern world. The lifestyle of them, how they survived, what they did, we all wonder about these. The curiosity brings search, and after Chichen Itza met with sunlight, people began to visit the site.

In the beginning of 19th century, the site was owned by private investor. Tours were held for tourists. These tours brought revolution to Chichen Itza. New routes were built, transportation became easier. The official tourism sector began only after 20th century. After that the visitors did not just visit the site, they spent days to visit it. It was an opportunity to live in this mysterious atmosphere. The land ownership changed hand from time to time. Lastly, the land is owned by a local family, Barbachano family.

After being selected as a world wonder, Chichen Itza attracts more visitors. This event increased the expectations. The Mexican government is waiting more tourists in coming years. As it is visited by more and more people, security is becoming a problem. Carelessness of people can give harm to history and archeology, so some rules are put. Visitors are not allowed inside the buildings any more. There are only some parts visitors are allowed. However, even these limited areas are good examples of world heritage and they are worth to see.