George And Audrey DeLange
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| Izamal, Monastery Located At Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico |
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| Smaller Pyramid Located At Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico |
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| Kinich Kak Mo Pyramid Located At Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico |
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Izamal, Archaeological Ruins And Monastery: The Kinich Kak Mo Pyramid was once one of the largest pyramids in Mexico. Kinich Kak Mo, has been translated as "Fiery Sun's Face" or "Fire Macaw -- Face of the Sun".According to legend, offerings left on the pyramid were collected by the god Itzamna, in the form of a macaw. The base measures 200 meters, and rises 36 meters. With a volume of 700,000 cubic meters, this is the largest structure on the Yucatan Peninsula. In 1552 The Roman Catholic Church decided to put an end to the use of the Izamal Pyramid being a shrine to the Mayan Gods, Itzamma and Ix Chel, who were Gods of healing. This was because the Mayans were worshiping their own Gods and it greatly upset the ruling Catholic Authorities. So they simply destroyed almost all of this great pyramid of Kinich Kak Mo and used the blocks from the pyramid to build a monastery in Izamal and from there they could impose their religion upon the people. You can see the pyramid for free, but If you plan to see the Catholic Church, you must pay to go onto the church grounds or into the church. An interesting thing about the city itself is that many buildings are painted yellow to match the monastery. From Merida, drive East on Highway 180 to the Kantunil exit. Go 17 km North to Izamal.
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