El Tajin

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One of the proud beauties of Mexico, El Tajin in Veracruz can be recognized as an ancient city from 600 to 1230 CE, believed to existed in the Mesoamerica. The city today shows only remains of once well advanced civilization which must have been completed with temples, palaces, pyramids etc. El Tajin gives the meaning lightening and thundering ad perhaps that is why they still believe that their deities of twelve old thunderstorm still inhabits the ruins. Also there is archaeological evidence that long before its rediscovery in 1785, the city was called Mictlan meaning the place of the dead.

The peak time of the city must have been since 600 CE basically after the fall of Teotihuacan. It was abolished by a fire believed to be the work of the invading force known as Chichimecas. Then it was left to be in ruins covered by the forest until it was rediscovered by Diego Ruiz, who was in search of clandestine tobacco plantations. He accidentally walked across the ruins of Pyramid of niches. He drew it and when he came back sent it to publication which took by surprise as well as appreciation. They believed the indigenous people of the area must have kept the ruins as a secret in order to protect it.

Besides being ruins at large, the ancient city has great architectural values. Ever since its discovery, many including German architect Charles Nebel, archaeologists Teobert Maler, Edward Seler, Francisco del Paso y Troncoso and Herbert and Ellen Spinden visited the site.

Now a days, El Tajin has become a major money spinner as it attracts more and more tourists each and every year. There have been some modifications done in order to facilitate the large crowd including the cafeteria and info centre. One has to enter the ruins from its southern end entrance. The site contains a park named as Parque Takilhsukut where it is used to hold festivals, workshops etc. Another new addition is the museum. The places you will be able to see in the site are Arroyo Group, The Pyramid of the Niches, Tajin Chico, Great Xicalcoluihqui, Blue Temple, the North and South Ball Courts etc.

Travellers' Guide
If you are planning to visit El Tajin, the site can be located near the cities Poza Rica and Papantla in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. You can find accommodation in Veracruz.

Hotel Lois
Calzada Ruiz Cortines 10, 94294 Veracruz
City Junior Veracruz
Calzada Manuel de Jesús Clouthier No 2641, 91725 Veracruz
Gran Hotel Diligencias
1115 Independence Avenue, Zona Centro, 91700 Veracruz
Holiday Inn Veracruz-Centro Historico
Calle Morelos 225, Colonia Centro, 91700 Veracruz
Camino Real Veracruz
Boulevard Manuel Avila Camacho, 3650 , 94299 Veracruz
Emporio Veracruz
Paseo del Malecón 244, 91700 Veracruz
Hotel Gran Via
Salvador Diaz Miron, 1572, 91910 Veracruz




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