It would take 15 minutes for a traveler to arrive the Palenque archaeological site from the town of Palenque in the Chiapas State of Mexico. In this archaeological site, impressive structures and many archaeological finds can be found, making this ancient city very interesting for those who want to know more about this ancient civilization. Moreover, thi is the city that was ruled by The Great King Pakal II who was one of the most recognized Mayan rulers.
Taking A Tour To This Ancient Maya City
This very old city is now a National Park and there are great tours offered to this place. There is a museum that can be visited wherein one can see a number of treasures that are on display. If you are done visiting the museum, one can opt to explore the jungle and cross the hanging bridge that will lead you to 'The Queen's Bath', which is a well known sweet water creek. You may also go to 'The Temple of the Cross', 'The Palace', and the 'Temple of the Inscriptions' which is the most remarkable and also the most important ancient structure dominating the plaza where the Tumba real or grave of King Pakal (K'nich Kan B'alam) is found.
The Museum Of Palenque
Treasures such as statues of Kan B'alam taken from the Temple Of The Cross can be found in the museum. One of the statues is a full statue and the other is a stucco head. The museum also displays the beautifully restored throne which was taken from The Palace. Other archaeological remains are found in this museum.
The Palace Found In The Ancient City Of Palenque
The extraordinary palace in the ancient city of Palenque is composed of great structures and an extensive building structure with long rooms and corridors. This is where the ruler of the city resides and where they conduct rituals. In nearly all of the rooms, ornate benches can be found which served as thrones for the rulers. The walls have holes which were thought to be used for pegs that held tapestries, which covered up the doorways and also split up the rooms. The entire Palace was constructed at several different stages. The structures are built at different times and the Tower was last to be built by the Mayans before they abandoned the ancient city. Courtyards, buildings and houses comprised the impressive city.
The Temple Of The Cross Complex
To celebrate the significant dates in King Pakal II's life up to his accession to the throne is the reason why the Temple Of The Cross was built. There are actually rumors that the King might be really buried here and not on the tomb situated on the Temple of the Inscriptions. This is also one other structure in pyramid form. The statue of Kan B'alam with his father, King Pakal I in a smaller figure and in front can be found on the top part. Several other researches deemed that the two figures could possibly be both Kan B'alam, one illustrating him as a young man plus the other as the king. The entrance to the otherworld is represented by The Tree or the Holy Ceiba which stands between the figures.
The Significant Temple of the Inscriptions
This temple is deemed to be among the most significant discoveries during the Mesoamerican era. Although, this pyramid is not as majestic and dominating compared to others yet it is very significant owing to the fact that it holds the tomb of one of the most well known ancient Mayan rulers, The Great Kan B'alam II. For 68 years, the king ruled over the city and he was just 12 years of age when he was enthroned. This made his tomb the most popular among the Maya ruins. A 5 ton richly decorated sculptured sarcophagus lid, measuring 12 by 7 feet covers the tomb stylishly. The tomb was undisturbed during the time it was discovered. The cover was considerably and meticulously etched with the elegantly dressed king descending into the otherworld.
Tours to this National Park takes more than one day. The area can be explored for two to three days. This would enable one to really discover and enjoy its beauty and wonder of the ancient Maya civilization.
Taking A Tour To This Ancient Maya City
This very old city is now a National Park and there are great tours offered to this place. There is a museum that can be visited wherein one can see a number of treasures that are on display. If you are done visiting the museum, one can opt to explore the jungle and cross the hanging bridge that will lead you to 'The Queen's Bath', which is a well known sweet water creek. You may also go to 'The Temple of the Cross', 'The Palace', and the 'Temple of the Inscriptions' which is the most remarkable and also the most important ancient structure dominating the plaza where the Tumba real or grave of King Pakal (K'nich Kan B'alam) is found.
The Museum Of Palenque
Treasures such as statues of Kan B'alam taken from the Temple Of The Cross can be found in the museum. One of the statues is a full statue and the other is a stucco head. The museum also displays the beautifully restored throne which was taken from The Palace. Other archaeological remains are found in this museum.
The Palace Found In The Ancient City Of Palenque
The extraordinary palace in the ancient city of Palenque is composed of great structures and an extensive building structure with long rooms and corridors. This is where the ruler of the city resides and where they conduct rituals. In nearly all of the rooms, ornate benches can be found which served as thrones for the rulers. The walls have holes which were thought to be used for pegs that held tapestries, which covered up the doorways and also split up the rooms. The entire Palace was constructed at several different stages. The structures are built at different times and the Tower was last to be built by the Mayans before they abandoned the ancient city. Courtyards, buildings and houses comprised the impressive city.
The Temple Of The Cross Complex
To celebrate the significant dates in King Pakal II's life up to his accession to the throne is the reason why the Temple Of The Cross was built. There are actually rumors that the King might be really buried here and not on the tomb situated on the Temple of the Inscriptions. This is also one other structure in pyramid form. The statue of Kan B'alam with his father, King Pakal I in a smaller figure and in front can be found on the top part. Several other researches deemed that the two figures could possibly be both Kan B'alam, one illustrating him as a young man plus the other as the king. The entrance to the otherworld is represented by The Tree or the Holy Ceiba which stands between the figures.
The Significant Temple of the Inscriptions
This temple is deemed to be among the most significant discoveries during the Mesoamerican era. Although, this pyramid is not as majestic and dominating compared to others yet it is very significant owing to the fact that it holds the tomb of one of the most well known ancient Mayan rulers, The Great Kan B'alam II. For 68 years, the king ruled over the city and he was just 12 years of age when he was enthroned. This made his tomb the most popular among the Maya ruins. A 5 ton richly decorated sculptured sarcophagus lid, measuring 12 by 7 feet covers the tomb stylishly. The tomb was undisturbed during the time it was discovered. The cover was considerably and meticulously etched with the elegantly dressed king descending into the otherworld.
Tours to this National Park takes more than one day. The area can be explored for two to three days. This would enable one to really discover and enjoy its beauty and wonder of the ancient Maya civilization.
About the Author:
Taking a Palenque tour should not be always expensive and time consuming. Duende Tours offers affordable, exciting adventure trips in Mexico including to the ancient city of Palenque.
