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Great Pyramid of Cholula
19.0575° N, -98.3019° E
About
The Great Pyramid of Cholula, also known as Tlachihualtepetl (Nahuatl for "constructed mountain"), is a complex located in Cholula, Puebla, Mexico. It is the largest archaeological site of a pyramid (temple) in the world, as well as the largest pyramid by volume known to exist in the world today. The adobe brick pyramid stands 25 metres (82 ft) above the surrounding plain, which is significantly shorter than the Great Pyramid of Giza's height of 146.6 metres (481 ft), but much wider, measuring 300 by 315 metres (984 by 1,033 ft) in its final form, compared to the Great Pyramid's base dimensions of 230.3 by 230.3 metres (756 by 756 ft). The pyramid is a temple that traditionally has been viewed as having been dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl. The architectural style of the building was linked closely to that of Teotihuacan in the Valley of Mexico, although influence from the Gulf Coast is evident as well, especially from El Tajín.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Initial construction begins
3rd century BCE
Abandonment during population decline
8th century CE
Major building phases complete
9th century CE
Toltec-Chichimec conquest and renaming
12th century
Spanish church constructed
1594
Adolph Bandelier's study
1881
First exploratory tunnelling begins
1931
Tunnel network measured
1954
Proyecto Cholula excavations
1966-1970
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Miscellaneous Features
Burial and Funerary Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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Cañada de la Virgen
Otomi ceremonial complex, 6th–11th century AD
Tetzcoco (altepetl)
Acolhua city-state (Late Postclassic) in Mexico
La Mojarra
Epi-Olmec archaeological site in Veracruz, occupied c. 300 BCE–1000 CE


