Xochicalco Archaeological Site
The Xochicalco archaeological site is located 38 Kms.to the south-west of Cuernavaca, Morelos, accessible via the Alpuyeca exit of Mexico-Acapulco Highway 95. Its position affords sweeping views of the valley below.
The name “Xochicalco” means “Place of Flowers”. (This seems an apt precursor to nearby Cuernavaca’s present-day sobriquet of “City of the Eternal Spring.)
Xochicalco was founded about 650 AD by the Olmeca-Xicallanca, a Mayan group of traders from Campeche, affording them an excellent position along some of the major trade routes. It thus constituted an important fortressed commercial and religious center in the era following the decline of the great Meso-American states.
The main fortress is perched 132 mts (430 ft) above the valley and is surrounded by terraces holding minor constructions and several ball courts. An underground solar observatory is one of the principal attractions for visitors to the site. As the sun passes through its zenith on May 14th and 15th and July 28th and 29th, a ray of sunlight passes through a narrow shaft in the ceiling of the observatory.
The Quetzalcoatl pyramid, or Temple of the Feathered Serpent, features friezes depicting the Plumed Serpent coiling around the sides. This structure measures 21 by 19 meters at its base and 17 meters in height and is situated in what is known as Xochicalco’s Acropolis.
In another construction which appears to be a ceremonial ramp and which is now protected by a canopy, there are over 250 stones carved with figures of snakes, birds and various other animals.
Below the main hill fortress are many terraced ridges holding lesser structures that have not yet been excavated. The view from the hilltop and pyramids to the surrounding valley is spectacular.
The site and the museum are open to the public daily from 10 am until 5 pm. The museum building also includes a cafeteria, public restrooms, gift shop and book store.
The Museum at Xochicalco, Morelos
Xochicalco’s on-site museum offers an excellent collectin of artifacts of the area. It consists of six permanent exhibition rooms plus an entrance corridor for temporary displays. Each of the six rooms displays a different aspect of the inhabitants of Xochicalco.
The museum houses an extensive collection of carved and tinted representations of the gods and religious effigies, such as the figure of the Jaguar and the Lord of Xochicalco.
Many representations of shells and marine life have been found in the Xochicalco area. A common motif throughout the museum’s design is that of the marine starfish.
Room 1 is named “Gifts of the Earth: Makers of Life” and covers the territory overseen by Xochicalco and the relationship of the inhabitants to neighboring cultures.
Room 2 is named “Warrior Men, Priestly Men” and deals with the social structure of Xochicalco.
Room 3 is called “Xochicalco, haven of Men” and deals with the architectural aspects of the site.
Room 4, titled “Delicate Creators and Monumental Artists”, covers the production and use of domestic artifacts, religious elements and items of personal decoration.
Room 5, named “World of the Gods”, delves into the more religious aspects of the culture, its sculptures and symbolism.
Room 6, called “Day-to-Day Spaces, Times of Convivality” displays reconstructions of a typical house, its contents and outbuildings and use of common implements and tools
