MEXICO: The Yellow City of Izamal with Maya Roots

Izamal is a small town in the Yucatán Peninsula, known as the "City of Hills."

Back in the day, between 750 and 1200 AD, it was a major religious and political center of the thriving Mayan civilization.

As a Maya city it was dedicated to the worship of Itzamná, the Mayan god of creation, and Kinich Kakmó, the sun god.

Nowadays, it is also called the "Yellow City" for its yellow-painted buildings. 

We were there on a cloudy day, but I can imagine on a bright sunny day with blue skies it would be stunning.

The town gates.

Some interesting signs.

In the town centre is the Convento de San Antonio de Padua, a large Franciscan monastery. It was built atop the remains of a Mayan pyramid in the 16th century.  

They say the structure represents the blending of Mayan and Spanish traditions, where Spanish colonial religious practices replaced, yet coexisted, with ancient Mayan spirituality. It serves as a center for religious pilgrimages and cultural preservation.

 

Stepping back in time in the town, remnants from when the Maya lived in the area, is the Kinich Kakmó Pyramid. It is is one of the largest Mayan pyramids, by base area, in Mesoamerica. Its base covers approximately 200 square meters (2,150 sq ft.)

Its name translates to "Fire Macaw with the Face of the Sun," highlighting its association with Kinich Kakmó, the sun deity.

The pyramid served as a place of worship, where offerings were made to honor the god and seek blessings for agricultural success and fertility.

It was pretty steep with big huge steps climbing up and we hesitated about the final ascent, because, what goes up must come down.

We climbed up and from the top you can get a good view of the surrounding area and the yellow city.

 

 

Coming back down into the Yellow City wasn't as bad as we had anticipated. 

As a side note, John did not get the memo to wear yellow to Izamal. 

 

 

Maybe next time.