Monte Alban
NileGuide Expert Says:
The views of the mountains and the white flowers on the trees are beautiful and are a not-to-be-missed photo opportunity.Address:
NileGuide Expert tip:
The restrooms are next to the museum, and they are the only ones there. The site is large, so if you don't want to walk all the way back to the museum in the middle of your visit, use the restrooms when you enter.Description:
Really close to Oaxaca City is this amazing archaeological site. This was one of the main cities of the pre-Hispanic world and was a very important political center of the Zapoteca civilization. During Monte Alban's Golden Era, the Zapoteca world included what today is the State of Oaxaca, the south part of the State of Puebla and the east part of the State of Guerrero,Monte Alban is very large complex with many interesting building to visit and a breathtaking view of the mountains.
The Juego de Pelota and North Platform are two of the most important buildings on the site and are an excellent example of the Zapotec architecture. At the Danzantes Patio you'll find a set of unique stones with images of people who appear to be dancing (thus the word Danzantes, that means People Who Dances). The Building J is unique in the pre-Hispanic world. Is arrow-like shaped and has a different orientation than the rest of the buildings. Nobody is sure what it was built for, but some believe it was an observatory.
Many tombs have been found inside some of the buildings and next to them. The most marvelous discovery was the Tomb 7 filled with amazing pieces of pottery and jewelry that now can be founded in the Former Convent of Santo Domingo in Oaxaca City.
The site also has a small but informative museum.
It opens every day from 8:00 to 17:00 hrs.
