YAGUL RUINS - OAXACA September 30
Yagul is a Zapotecan stronghold located in the state of Oaxaca. There is plenty to see at Yagul. Some of the these things to see are the tombs, the largest ball court found in the oaxaca valley, fretted stone mosaics, the ruins on the acropolis, and the huge defensive walls of the fortress at the top of the hill. Yagul is definitely a good place to see on the way back from the town of Mitla.
This important pre-Hispanic center, which name literally means “old stick” or “old tree”, contains the largest ball court in the Oaxaca valley, and the second largest in all of Mesoamerica. The site’s architecture is similar in many ways to that of Monte Alban. This site has been totally excavated.
The ancient city of Yagul was designed with militarily strategic fortifications. In the center lies an enormous man-made platform with staircases which lead to the temples and the main palace. Steps then lead up to the hill on the north side of the city to the acropolis with its defensive walls and watchtower, which overlooks both the city and the whole Tlacolula valley. The vast majority of the city’s population lived on the hill behind the fortifications.
The ruins are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 5:00. Entrance to the ruins costs $3 USD.
