El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City

Brief Description

Located in the state of Veracruz, El Tajin was at its height from the early 9th to the early 13th century. It became the most important centre in north-east Mesoamerica after the fall of the Teotihuacan Empire. Its cultural influence extended all along the Gulf and penetrated into the Maya region and the high plateaux of central Mexico. Its architecture, which is unique in Mesoamerica, is characterized by elaborate carved reliefs on the columns and frieze. The 'Pyramid of the Niches', a masterpiece of ancient Mexican and American architecture, reveals the astronomical and symbolic significance of the buildings. El Tajin has survived as an outstanding example of the grandeur and importance of the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mexico.

Mexico

Etat de Veracruz, municipalité de Papantla

N20 28 35.004 W97 22 39

Date of Inscription: 1992

Criteria: (iii)(iv)

Property : 240 ha

Ref: 631

Source: http://whc.unesco.org