Monte Albán

Holy city of the Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, located on a mountain

Monte Albán is a temple city in Mexico. Part of this historic site is carved into the mountain. It was the holy city of the relatively unknown Zapotec and Mixtec peoples.

Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán is an active archaeological site, and they are still doing research here. Archaeologists are still researching here. Which can be clearly seen. With a little luck you can see an excavation.

The ruined city belongs to the Zapotecs, relatively unknown to us, as well as the Mixtecs. Both used Monte Albán as a burial place for dignitaries.

Even though this place is not one of the most popular temple complexes, I thought it was worth it. This is mainly due to its location at a great height. And not in a rainforest like many other temples in Central America.

UNESCO World Heritage


Near the city of Oaxaca de Juárez is the Monte Albán, and both the city and the mountain are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Part of the holy site is hewn out of the mountain.

The famous steles of Monte Albán

Some of the famous steles of Monte Albán.

When you walk here you will automatically see stones with pictures. These are called Steles by archaeologists. They are sculpted images in relief. From gods, for example. But they are also images from the life of the relatively unknown Zapotecs.

Best way to visit Monte Alban

It makes sense to visit this complex with a guide. Then this area starts to live a lot more. I did and it literally opened up a world for me. And I appreciated this place a lot more.
The rich history in particular is special.

The role of the various Indian tribes is very fascinating. As well as the history through which the nations eventually disappeared. Not everything is known about them. But it is intriguing.

Monte Alban Museum

The Monte Albán Museum is home to much of all the valuable treasures excavated here. Think of various images. Archeologists have found the largest discovery of gold in tomb seven. You can see much this treasure in the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures (Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca). It is housed in an old monastery in Oaxaca.

Visiting Monte Albán

Monte Alban is not on the popular route for many tourists. But if you go to Oaxaca, Monte Alban is only about 10 kilometers away. And it is immediately a completely different environment than the city.

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