Sayil

One of the most beautiful of all Maya structures, this palace is almost as imposing and lovely as the Governor's palace and the Nunnery in Uxmal. I'ts the most important building in Sayil and its lengthy form of three levels contains 98 rooms. The main facade looks to the south and is located on a platform from where the "sacbé" begins.

The second floor and most richly ornamented of the three levels contains two corridors. Only one, almost in ruins is found within each of the other levels.
An ample stairway leads from the ground to each of the three floors. Roof of the first and second floors also serve as terraces, since each level is recessed.
The walls of the second story are decorated with columns and with large-nosed Chaac masks. The walls are also adorned with sculptures of the Gods "Ah Mucen Cab", or the bee God linked to Venus worship and "Kukulkán", the feathered serpent. All the forms are well-balanced and wide porticos alternate with rows of columns.
Another important edifice in Sayil is the Lookout, dating between 500 and 900 A.D., is a small square temple with five rooms. The high roof comb, a derivative of the Chenes architectural style, was originally used in the Peten of Guatemala and later in the flourescent period in Tikal. Used here in early Puuc, it would be seen years later in other cities of this area.

Open everyday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free entrance on Sunday and holidays. Parking lot, arts and craft shops.

Source: INEGI/SECTUR
Book: An excursion in the Maya city of Uxmal and the Puuc route .