Mayan Temple in Yucatán That Looks Like Greece

Santa Elena, Yucatán — At first glance, the Tuscan-style columns of the Sayil Archaeological Zone might deceive visitors into thinking they’ve stumbled upon an ancient Greek temple. However, this archaeological treasure is nestled in the Yucatán Peninsula, and its structures stand as a testament to the sophistication of Mayan architecture.

Perhaps this is because the city flourished nearly a thousand years after Christ and belongs to the Puuc Ensemble, a group of nearby cities including Uxmal, Kabah, and Labná. Located in the municipality of Santa Elena, just an hour and a half from Mérida, Sayil is considered one of the most intriguing and complex Mayan cities in the region due to its advanced urban planning and architectural achievements.

A Brief History of Sayil

Sayil, which translates to “Place of the Leafcutter Ants,” reached its peak around 900 A.D. and is estimated to have been home to over 10,000 inhabitants. Its size and architecture reflect a highly organized society with specialized craftsmanship.

A defining feature of Sayil is its location in a narrow valley surrounded by low hills, in an area devoid of rivers or surface lakes. To adapt, its ancient inhabitants engineered chultunes—underground cisterns—to collect and store rainwater. It is no coincidence that the rain god Chaac is the most recurring decorative motif here. His masks, with their large, curved noses, adorn nearly every Puuc-style building, underscoring the vital importance of water in this arid region.

The Advanced Architecture of Sayil

Visitors to the Sayil Archaeological Zone will find a city composed of significant masonry structures connected by stone pathways. Its architecture exemplifies the Puuc style, renowned for its refinement and intricate detailing. The friezes are crafted from thousands of small, meticulously carved stones forming elaborate mosaics.

The city is organized along a north-south axis, with the Gran Palacio (Great Palace) as its most iconic and dominant structure. This majestic three-level building once contained up to 90 rooms and is believed to have served not only as a residence but also as the administrative and political center of Sayil.

Must-See Features and How to Visit

Other notable structures include the Palacio Sur (Southern Palace) and El Mirador, a stepped temple adorned with bas-relief stelae. The site also features remnants of a ball court and a well reaching depths of up to 90 meters.

The Sayil Archaeological Zone is open to the public Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an entrance fee of 75 pesos. It is an ideal destination for those fascinated by Mayan civilization and Puuc architecture, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of this ancient city.