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Archaeological site · Mitla, Oaxaca
Zona Arqueológica de Mitla
Zapotec and Mixtec religious center with palaces decorated by stone mosaics in geometric patterns, without mortar, and cross-shaped tombs.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Zona Arqueológica de Mitla
Mitla was the main religious center of the Zapotecs after the decline of Monte Albán, reaching its peak between 950 and 1520. The name comes from the Nahuatl Mictlán, place of the dead, and the site was regarded as an entrance to the world of the dead. Priests lived in the palaces and rulers were buried in the tombs.
What makes Mitla unique are the stone mosaics on the facades and courtyards, made of thousands of small carved stones fitted together without mortar in geometric patterns of fret, steps and lozenges. There are at least 14 different patterns, which resemble textiles and repeat in the valley rugs.
The Group of the Columns is the most visited: it has a large hall with six monolithic columns and, behind it, a courtyard surrounded by rooms with the best-preserved mosaics. Under the buildings are cross-shaped tombs. One of them contains the Column of Life which, according to tradition, shows by the embrace how many years a person will still live.
Next to it stands the church of San Pablo, built by the Spaniards in the 16th century over one of the palaces, using stones from the ancient complex. Mitla, together with Yagul, is part of the UNESCO heritage of the prehistoric caves of the valleys.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1½ hours.
Best time
In the morning, before heading to Hierve el Agua. Confirm opening times before you go.
How to get there
It is in the center of San Pablo Villa de Mitla, about 45 km from Oaxaca. You can reach it by car, bus or shared van.
Tip
Notice the different fret patterns in the mosaics. Enter the courtyard behind the hall of columns.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Zona Arqueológica de Mitla
What does Mitla mean?
It comes from the Nahuatl Mictlán, place of the dead.
How were the mosaics of Mitla made?
With thousands of small carved stones fitted together without mortar in geometric patterns.
How long does a visit to Mitla take?
From one hour to one and a half hours.