This unique Mayan site had been founded as early as 1000BC before evangelising friars built a 16th century chapel in the main plaza as a symbol of the invading religion. Each Mayan site was built close to a cenote – sinkholes used for drinking water and as a ceremonial portal to the underworld.
The city itself has a wealth of colonial architecture, in part a display of the prosperity brought about by the henequen industry. One of the best ways to see the city is to rent a horse drawn calesa (cart) and take a drive up the Paseo de Montejo, an impressive boulevard lined with colonial mansions.
This once major Mayan religious site was chosen by the Spanish as a centre to convert to the locals to Christianity. First they converted the physical site and a huge convent and church was begun in 1549, reusing Mayan stonework. The whole complex was painted rich ochre yellow leading to its nickname as ‘the golden city’.
Manor Cottage, Papermill Lane, South Moreton, Oxfordshire, OX11 9AH
