Izamal

The City of the Hills
[ Location Map ]

Izamal is located in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Yucatan, Mexico.

Its probably one of the eldest cities in Yucatan, founded in the 4th century A.D. by Itzamna, leader and patriarch of the Mayan people. Religion has been closely related to its history, since the Spaniard conquerors made of this city a Christian sanctuary to convert Indians to Catholicism.

Known as the "City of three cultures", Izamal bring together elements of the pre Hispanic, colonial and contemporary eras. Numerous pre Hispanic constructions, some currently under restoration, are located within the city, providing a beautiful contrast next to the remains of Colonial Era. Near is great pre Hispanic construction were built in honor of the god Zamma, wise and beneficent deity of the ancient mayas, is the famous Convent dedicated to the Virgins of Izamal, built by Franciscan monks the first years of Spanish rule. In their zeal to evangelize the new continent, the Franciscans expended great effort in building monuments such as temples and convents, today giving a special value to Yucatan.

Actually known as the "City of the Hills" because of the archaeological remains located in the town centre, including the pyramid of Kinich-Kakmo (with 35 mts is the tallest in Yucatan), the pyramids of Itzamatul, Kabul and Hucpintok, among others.

Izamal is a gorgeous colonial city with interesting buildings and beautiful old houses painted in white and ochre, making the entire city look like a movie set. cobblestone streets and colonial lamp posts complete this majestic scenery, making it a great town to stroll either walking or in a Victoria or Calesa (a horse-drawn carriage typical in Izamal) that can be taken at the Plaza and lead you all over town for a reasonable price.

Izamal main attractions are:

• The Franciscan Monastery
  Built on top of a Mayan pyramid using its stones and famous for its majestic porticoes cloister, the largest in America. Its 75 arches form a long corridor enclosing a space of more than seven thousand square meters. In 1993, Pope John Paul II met here with representatives of various ethnic communities of the continent. You will note a beautifully restored altarpiece,  a stained glass window of  St. Francis of Assi and many statues along the walls. Its also the Sanctuary where the Immaculate Conception, known as the Virgin of Izamal  (queen and patroness of Yucatan), is housed and venerated.
   

• The Government Palace, where you should not miss a large city model where you can see the pyramids, colonial style buildings, parks, plazas, horses and people.

• The Kinich Kalmo, pyramid is the largest pre Hispanic building in Yucatan, covering a surface area of 4 hectares, The stairway on its southern side is formed of enormous rocks, evidence of the immense effort of the Maya people to render homage to their gods. Also worthy of  a visit are Itzamatul, Habuc and Chaltunha, testimony of eras long past.

• The Community Museum, located under the Convent in front of 5 de Mayo Park.

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  • Yucatan State •
|  Balankanche Cave  |  Caverns of Loltun  |   Celestun Town  |  Chichen-Itza Archaeological Site  |  |  Dzibilchaltun Archaeological Site  |  Dzilam de Bravo Town  |  Dzitya Town  | 
|  Ekbalam Archaeological Site  |  Izamal City   |  Kabah Archaeological Site  |  Kopoma Town  | 
|  Labna Archaeological Site  |  Mayapan Archaeological Site  |  Merida ۞ Capital City  | 
|  Oxkintok Archaeological Site  |  Poxila Town  |  Progreso Town  |  Rio Lagartos Town  |
|  Santa Clara Town  |  Sayil Archaeological Site  |  Tecoh Town  |  Telchac Puerto Town  |
|  Tikul Town  |  Tizimin Town  |  Uxmal Archaeological Site  |  Valladolid City  |  Xcambo Town  |
|  Xlapak Archaeological Site  |  The Paths of the Mayab  |

|  Home page of Yucatan State in Tour By Mexico ®  |

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