The Observatory
Reconstruction of The Observatory
Maya Toltec Architectural Style constructed 900-1100 A.D.
Reconstruction of The Observatory
Maya Toltec Architectural Style constructed 900-1100 A.D.
The circular building El Caracol, the Spanish word for "snail", is a monument which illustrates the Mayas' deep interest in both astronomy and architecture.
View of the Observatory photographed during 1998 visit to Chichén-Itzá.
El Caracol, the Observatory, was dedicated to the study of the movement of the stars and planets and is one of the most beautiful accomplishments of the Maya in Yucatán.
The Observatory which consists of a tower built on two rectangular platforms, was built during different periods. The tower itself is more recent than the platforms. Inside the tower there are a number of small windows which were used to study the movements of the stars as well as an unusual stairway, resembling a snail shell, which leads to the highest part of the tower for closer observations .
The Maya's deep interest in astronomy and calendars helped the Mayas to establish the cycle for sowing crops and other activities which were important to the economic and social life of the city.
The tower is about 13 meters in height and the observatory measures 22.5 meters high. Above the doorways in the observation tower there are carvings of the rain god, Chaac to whom some believe the building may have been dedicated.
View of the Observatory photographed during 1998 visit to Chichén-Itzá.
El Caracol, the Observatory, was dedicated to the study of the movement of the stars and planets and is one of the most beautiful accomplishments of the Maya in Yucatán.
The Observatory which consists of a tower built on two rectangular platforms, was built during different periods. The tower itself is more recent than the platforms. Inside the tower there are a number of small windows which were used to study the movements of the stars as well as an unusual stairway, resembling a snail shell, which leads to the highest part of the tower for closer observations .
The Maya's deep interest in astronomy and calendars helped the Mayas to establish the cycle for sowing crops and other activities which were important to the economic and social life of the city.
The tower is about 13 meters in height and the observatory measures 22.5 meters high. Above the doorways in the observation tower there are carvings of the rain god, Chaac to whom some believe the building may have been dedicated.
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