Uxmal

Uxmal is an ancient Maya city located in the Puuc region of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, near the town of Santa Elena and about 80 kilometers southwest of Mérida. It flourished from the 6th to the 10th centuries CE and was one of the most important regional centers in the Puuc area. The city declined around the end of the 10th century and was later abandoned, though some structures remained known to local communities.

The site is renowned for its Puuc architectural style, characterized by smooth limestone walls and elaborate stone mosaics. Major monuments include the Pyramid of the Magician, a rounded-based pyramid with steep stairways; the Governor’s Palace, a long façade decorated with intricate stonework and glyphs; and the Nunnery Quadrangle, a group of interconnected buildings noted for its decorative friezes and mosaic work. The city’s layout includes broad plazas, causeways, and multiple large public buildings that reflect its political and ceremonial functions.

Uxmal played a prominent role in regional trade networks and political organization within the Puuc region, influencing nearby centers through alliances and exchange. Its monumental constructions demonstrate sophisticated urban planning and religious symbolism, illustrating the socio-political importance of the site during the Late Classic to Early Postclassic periods.

In 1996, Uxmal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Ancient Maya City of Uxmal. Today, it is a major archaeological site and popular tourist destination, preserving an important example of Puuc architecture and Maya cultural heritage.