Templo del Sol

Palenque


The Templo del Sol, on the west side of the Acrópolis Sur plaza, has the best-preserved roofcomb at Palenque. Carvings inside, commemorating Kan B’alam’s birth in AD 635 and accession in 684, show him facing his father. Some view this beautiful building as sure proof that Palenque’s ancient architects were inspired by the local hallucinogenic mushrooms. Make up your own mind!


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Palenque attractions

1. Templo XIV

0.02 MILES

The northernmost temple in the Grupo de las Cruces.

2. Templo XXI

0.03 MILES

In 2002, archaeologists found a throne in Templo XXI with very fine carvings depicting Ahkal Mo’ Nahb', his ancestor the great Pakal, and his son U Pakal.

3. Acrópolis Sur

0.03 MILES

In the jungle south of the Grupo de las Cruces is the Southern Acropolis, where archaeologists have made some terrific finds in recent excavations. You…

4. Templo de la Cruz

0.04 MILES

Steep steps climb to the Templo de la Cruz, the largest and most elegantly proportioned in Grupo de las Cruces. The stone tablet in the central sanctuary…

5. Templo XXII

0.05 MILES

At the eastern edge of the Grupo de las Cruces.

6. Templo XX

0.05 MILES

Discovered in 1999, Templo XX contains a red-frescoed tomb built in 540 that is currently Palenque's most active dig. Archaeologists began restoration…

7. Templo XVII

0.06 MILES

Between the Cruces group and the Acrópolis Sur, this temple contains a reproduction carved panel depicting Kan B’alam, standing with a spear, with a bound…

8. Grupo de las Cruces

0.06 MILES

Pakal’s son, Kan B’alam II, was a prolific builder, and soon after the death of his father started designing the temples of the Grupo de las Cruces…

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