blog/Culture, Food & Heritage/Learn about Chichen Viejo (Old Chichen)

Learn about Chichen Viejo (Old Chichen)

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Ancient stone structure of Old Chichen surrounded by lush jungle under a bright blue sky.
Written by Cancun Adventures

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Article Summary

Discover the ancient history of Chichen Viejo, an archaeological zone located over a kilometer from the main structures of Chichen Itza. This compound, home to Mayan elites, is larger than many villas of Greek and Roman kings. Notable structures include the Temple of the Initial Series and Casa del Yugo. Currently, Chichen Viejo is closed to the public due to ongoing excavation and restoration work. Cancun Adventures offers guided tours to Chichen Itza from Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Discover the ancient history of Mexico’s largest active archeological site

Located more than a kilometer from the main structures of Chichen Itza, Chichen Viejo (Old Chichen) is an archaeological zone that includes several ancient Mayan structures known as the Initial Series Group. Chichen Viejo is thought to be an extensive compound once home to Mayan elites. The compound is larger than many of the villas of Greek and Roman kings. Archaeologists have dated a stone lintel at the site back to 619 A.D; the oldest hieroglyphics discovered at Chichen Itza. The ruins of the site are primarily of Puuc-style architecture.

A detailed black and white architectural map of the Initial Series Group, highlighting various structures such as the House of the Phalli, Initial Series Building, Northern Limit of Yabnal Platform, and other notable areas like the Colonnade del Viigo and the House of the Chultun.

This area is not currently open to the public and is the site of active archaeological excavation and restoration work by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (NIAH)

A historical black and white photograph showing a man sitting beneath a stone lintel at Chichen Viejo, surrounded by ancient carved stone structures. The man is wearing a hat and appears to be resting.

Photo credit: Americanegypt.com

Temple of the Initial Series

The Temple of the Initial Series is the most important structure in the Initial Series Group, this two-chamber temple is set upon a platform base with a staircase on the west side of the structure. The temple contains a Chac Mool sculpture and a lintel with the only long-count date found at Chichen Itza (July 30, 878 A.D.). The temple has motifs of serpents, double Chaac masks and Venus emblems. Archaeologists have identified an earlier structure beneath the temple, which dates to approximately 650 A.D. called the Temple of Stuccos.

A photograph of the Temple of the Initial Series, an ancient stone structure at Chichen Itza, featuring a central staircase leading up to a platform with a doorway. The ruins are surrounded by greenery and partially shaded by trees.

Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto

Casa del Yugo

A structure located on the north side of the compound, Casa del Yugo measures 22 x 9 meters and contains columns that once supported a flat roof. The structure is believed to be civic in nature.

Case del Tambor

A multi-chambered building with a west-facing stairway located on the North side of the complex.

Initial Series Group Arch

A photograph of the arch in the Initial Series Group at Chichen Itza, showcasing a large, ancient stone archway with a pathway leading through it. The structure is surrounded by lush greenery and partially overcast skies.

Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto

Platform of the Turtle

Located in the center of the northern plaza, this platform is thought to have been used for dancing or other rituals. Burials and offerings of flint knives have been located in the sub-structure.

A photograph of the Platform of the Turtle at Chichen Itza, featuring a circular stone platform with a small staircase leading up to it. The platform is surrounded by trees and greenery.

Crédito de la foto: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto

Casa Chac Mool

This structure is so-named because of the Chac Mool monument that was located in front of it. It is a small platform with a single chamber. A high-ranking individual was buried here.

A photograph of the Casa Chac Mool at Chichen Itza, showcasing an ancient stone structure with a platform and partially ruined walls. The site is surrounded by dense trees and vegetation. Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto.

Temple of Owls

A temple with a façade depicting owls interspersed with human figures. The Temple of Owls has been dated to c. 870 A.D. It is a 4.2 meter structure on a platform. The collapsed building was reconstructed between 1999-2002. Inside were painted panels and Chaac masks, as well as a large owl figure that has been restored.

A photograph of the Temple of the Owls at Chichen Itza, featuring an ancient stone structure with multiple columns and a staircase leading to the entrance. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery. Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto.

Temple of Columns / Gallery of the Moon

A 32 sq. meter platform with multiple chambers and columns that once supported a flat roof. The capstones of the columns are intricately carved.

A photograph of the Temple of the Owls at Chichen Itza, featuring an ancient stone structure with multiple columns and a staircase leading to the entrance. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery. Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto.

Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto

Casa de las Cabacitas

A small structure located on the south side of the North Plaza.

A photograph of the Casa de las Cabacitas at Chichen Itza, featuring partially preserved stone walls of an ancient structure. The site is surrounded by greenery and trees. Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto.

Giovanni Agostino Frassetto

The Gallery of the Monkeys

A long colonnaded gallery extending from a main multi-chambered structure. The structure is named for the depictions of monkeys it contains.

A photograph of the Gallery of the Monkeys at Chichen Itza, featuring an ancient stone structure with a row of columns leading to a small building with a doorway. The site is surrounded by lush v

Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto

Casa Caracol

Located across the plaza from the Gallery of Monkeys, this structure is a two-story building with corbeled arched roofs, Atlantean columns and an interior courtyard. It also contains a stairway leading to the Temple of Dancing Jaguars.

Temple of the Dancing Jaguars

A temple containing multiple chambers and a twin set of columns.

A photograph of the Temple of the Dancing Jaguars at Chichen Itza, featuring a rectangular stone building with two columns supporting a central entrance. The structure is elevated on a stone platform and surrounded by trees. Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto.

Photo Credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto

House of Phallus

Named for the numerous phallic decorations this multi-chambered structure also contains depictions of self-sacrifice. The complex also contains the House of Atlantean Columns.

A photograph of the House of the Phallus at Chichen Itza, featuring a complex of ancient stone structures with various decorative elements, including a lattice-like stonework. The ruins are surrounded by greenery. Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto.

Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto

A photograph of two carved stone columns at the House of the Phallus in Chichen Itza, surrounded by partially preserved stone walls. The columns feature intricate carvings, and the site is enveloped by greenery. Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto.

Photo credit: Giovanni Agostino Frassetto

Although Chichen Viejo (Old Chichen) is not currently open to the public, many sites of Chichen Itza can be explored by visitors. Cancun Adventures provides guided tours of Chichen Itza departing from Cancun and Playa del Carmen regularly. If you are looking for a comprehensive tour of the wonders of Chichen Itza, reserve your tour today!

Published on June 13, 2024

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