Mitla, Oaxaca

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Mitla, Oaxaca. - A mystical destination and its treasures inherited by Mixtec’s and Zapotecs ancestors. An important archaeological site, after Monte Albán Mitla is the most impressive and well-visited site in Oaxaca

Mitla, Oaxaca. – A mystical destination and its treasures inherited by Mixtec’s and Zapotecs ancestors

 

Mitla, from the Aztec word mictlán, meaning “place of dead”; formerly a sacred place. It is a mystical destination full of  treasures inherited by their ancestors, the Mixtec’s and Zapotecs which built this beautiful city.

Mitla is an important archaeological site, after Monte Albán Mitla is the most impressive and well-visited site in Oaxaca. Although relatively modest in size. Mitla possesses, amongst other finds, a fantastically colored Palace of the Columns, reminding one of the Palace of Knossos in Crete, garnished with the most lavish stone fretwork.

 

Mitla, Oaxaca

 

Mitla was originally built by the Zapotecs but later occupied by the Mixtec’s

 

The Mixtecs came down from the high Sierra mountains around A.D. 900. Mitla was occupied until the 16th century when the Spaniards destroyed or dismantled an Indian building to use the foundation and many of the cut bricks from the original city to build a cathedral.

The decoration of the palaces is outstandingly beautiful for its magnificent fretwork made of countless polished stones, forming a mosaic of geometric designs. It was the most important postclassical archaeological site in the Oaxacan region reaching its maximum growth and splendor during the post classic period 750 AD to 1521 AD. It has a group of columns, streams a quaint church, adobe homes and a southern view of the valley.

When visiting Mitla, visitors feel almost divine presences as they walk along the road of the dead, surrounded by marvelous pre-Hispanic temples.

Likewise, the colonial legacy is also present in this territory. A clear example is the church of San Pablo Apóstol, erected in the 16th century, which has a beautifully decorated façade with material that was part of a Mixtec-Zapotec sanctuary in Mitla. Or the Frissell Museum, an old 19th century mansion that now houses beautiful Zapotec works of art.

 

Mitla, Oaxaca

Marvel yourself by visiting its Municipal Crafts Market

You will discover how clothes are made on pedal looms and even its hand-woven tablecloths but also to enjoy a mezcal tasting, a very pleasant experience.

Mitla, Oaxaca

Mitla, Oaxaca

 

En Emark DMC®  Oaxaca we can show you many extraordinary experiences with our professional bilingual tour guides and show you our richness full of history and traditions in your vacations for family, friends, or groups. We will be happy to quote you memorable trips to anywhere in Mexico. For further information, please send us an email to: info@emarkgroup.com

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