SAN GERVASIO RUINS - COZUMEL ISLAND September 30
San Gervasio is the largest and most famous Mayan ruins site in Cozumel, dating back to 300 - 400 A.D, when this urban center was dedicated to Ix Chel, the goddes of fertility, medicine, midwifery and weaving. Mayan women used to make a pilgrimage from the main land to visit the temples and many statues of Ix Chel found here.
The architectural style appears to be modeled after the capital of the Itzas, with the white stone roads connecting all the temples, similar to the roads found at Chichen Itza. While this ruins site is small compared to the giant sites on the main land, it presents an interesting history of the Mayan presence on the island of Cozumel.
A graceful arch protects an altar on Sacbe (ancient road) leading in to the ceremonial center. although the archaeological site at San Gervasio has not had a lot of restoration, there are numerous structures and the beautiful natural setting which make a visit there worth while. one of the most interesting buildings is the temple of the hands.
So take time to enjoy the peaceful setting of this fertile jungle shrine dedicated to the Maya goddes Ix chel. Ruins are opened daily at 9:00 am. The entrance is $6 USD. and please don’t forget your camera, a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and bottle water.
