 Izamal
& La Luz de los Mayas |
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According to tradition as well as archeological findings, five pyramids flanked the ceremonial center of the city. One of them is consecrated to "Heaven Dew". A second one is called Papacholchac, the "House of the Heads" or "House of Lightning"; it presently holds the sanctuary of the Virgin of Izamal. Yet another pyramid is dedicated to Kinich-Kakmò, or "Solar Face". The pyramid Kabul, the "House of the Miraculous Hand", deserves special mentioning. It is home of a giant 2-meter face, modeled in stucco. This face is similar to the ones at Kohunlich in Quintana Roo, which are known only thanks to a 1862 drawing by Catherwood. For more than a thousand years, Izamal was an important ceremonial center. The indigenous people considered the site, along with Chichen Itza, a center of pilgrimage. Called the City of the Hills, or the City of Three Cultures for combining in its center the pre-Hispanic past with the colonial and the present-day periods, the city preserves a strong religious tradition. Today, one of Izamal’s main attractions is the majestic Franciscan Convent. Its atrium, the largest in Latin America with an area of 200 square meters, was built over the base of a Mayan pyramid. The Convent of San Antonio of Padua is dedicated to the service of the Immaculate Virgin. Visiting hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Finally, there are workshops in Izamal which preserve unique arts
and crafts traditions. The carriage drivers will take you to the
house of the artists so you can discover the heart of one of the
most authentic Yucatecan cities. Specifically, we recommend the
cocoyol workshop which uses the seeds of cocoyol (a small type of
coconut) for the making of necklaces and collars. |
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