palenque

Palenque refers to a modern town in the Mexican state of Chiapas and to the nearby Maya archaeological site. The site is located in the southern foothills of the Sierra Madre and beside the Usumacinta River, near the town of Palenque in the municipality of the same name.

Palenque flourished during the Late Classic period of Maya civilization, roughly AD 600–800. It is noted for its refined architecture, sculpture, and hieroglyphic inscriptions that record dynastic histories and religious practices.

Notable monuments include the Temple of the Inscriptions, which contains Pakal the Great's tomb; the Palace, a royal residence with multiple courtyards; and the Group of the Cross temples, a suite of religious structures. Numerous stelae and altars contribute to the site’s understanding of Maya politics and cults.

The site was described by early travelers in the 19th century and later studied extensively by archaeologists such as John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood. In 1987, Palenque was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of Ancient Maya City and National Park of Palenque, recognizing its significance and its surrounding tropical rainforest.

Today, the town of Palenque serves as a hub for visitors to the ruins, with hotels, tour operators, and access by road from major cities in Chiapas and neighboring states. The site remains a focus of ongoing research and conservation efforts.