Magical, Green, Eternal... Nature and Archeology

Palenque is perhaps one of the most exotic and beautiful places in our country, it is reason of pride for every mexican and it gives luster to the tourism of Chiapas. A paradise where the most wonderful greens of the rainforest join in perfect harmony with sketches of prehispanic wisdom. Palenque is the city that treasures the remains of one of the most amazing civilizations in the history of mankind.

Its origins are difficult to place in the structure of time. However, the archeological zone we know today and that doesn't cease to amaze us gives a clear testimony of a past of wisdom and splendor.

The city/state flourished during the classical Mayan period and had its greatest prosperity toward the years 600 to 800 b.c. From that time, we have knowledge ó f a brilliant civilization and culture, in which the architectural aesthetics, the astronomy and mathematics were present.

Here, nature has always been kind, a guarantee of prosperity. Even then, the fertility of the land was manifested,. a land that originates in the rise of green jade elephant plants and golden corncobs, of miraculous waters that the sky poured bountifull

and that ran singing among many rivers to nourish the grain, base of the inhabitants' diet.

In Palenque the jaguar was worshiped, for its strength and the beauty of its style. The Quetzal bird for the color of its feathers, and the serpent as a symbol of respect to death. Worship to fruits, to mighty waters, to the tempest and time, to every animal that ruled the intermediate space between two eternities.

It is considered that this zone represented one of the highest points within the Mayan culture. To this period o f prosperity belong architectural works like "El Palacio", the standard building and its notable tower of four stories. The temple of inscriptions (Las Inscripciones") wonderful building that was used as a ceremonial tomb for the king Pakal. Outstanding awesome are the temples of "La Cruz Foliada" and "El Sol", apart from the recent findings like the tomb of the "Reina Roja" (Red Queen') and a solid stone throne with inscriptions.

Palenque is located 300 kms. From Tuxtla Gutiérrez, 220 from San Cristóbal de las Casas and 142 kms. From Villahermosa, Tabasco, It is also the starting point toward the archeological zones of Bonampak, Yaxchila'n and Tonina', as well as the waterfalls of "Agua Azul", "Agua Clara", "Misol-Ha" and the "Laguna de Playas de Catazajá" (Lagoon of Catazajá Beaches). Sanctuary for the manti and the most modern and in style, touristic destiny in the north of Chiapas.

Findings of Great Relevance and Majesty

The ruins of Palenque revealed two mysteries before the millenium was over, discoverings that fill up the blank of three decades in the history of the rulers of this Mayan City.

The first finding it's a throne located within the temple XIX The bass-relieves in its walls refer to the rise in power of the Ahkal Mo'Nab. The throne is a rectangular bench made of clay cover in its south east and west faces by three limestone slabs, two of them engraved, one with a fringe of red paint and the forth, to the north, is joined against the wall of the building. The top part is covered by great slab of limestone that was found broken. It seems that the scene depicted in it was to justify the right to the throne. It includes an engraved text and three characters.

In the XX Temple is located the first example of mural painting within a building: a funerary chamber that it's just being investigated and researched now.