The second largest Mayan Ruin in Mexico, after Chichen Itza, Palenque is, for many, the more impressive and romantic of the two sites. Somewhat remote, near the Guatemalan border and, therefore, less accessible than other Mayan sites, it thankfully lacks some of the tourist trappings. While the site is not yet fully excavated, the Classic period temples and palaces contain magnificent bas reliefs and hieroglyphic carvings. The three storied tower in the center Palace is unrepeated in the Mayan world. The 3 Temple of the Cross structures, so called for the very Christian looking crosses in their ceremonial roof top combs, are a site of pilgrimage for many. The Temple of the Inscriptions, built in 625AD, holds the 2nd longest glyphic text in the Mayan world and is the source of much of our knowledge about the Classic Mayan period. There is even a Mayan ball court and "bleachers" to watch from. All this in a rainforest setting that makes for easy envisioning of a time gone by. [edit text][editors]
