About
The Temple of the Cross, also known as the Templo de la Cruz, stands in Palenque National Park in Chiapas, Mexico. It is one of three temples that make up the Cross Group, a cluster of ancient Maya structures set within the wider archaeological site of Palenque.
The temple was built to commemorate the accession of K'inich Kan Bahlam II, a ruler of Palenque. Its walls and panels carry inscriptions that record important Maya creation mythology, which makes it a valuable place for anyone interested in how the Maya understood the origins of the world and their own rulers.
What a visit offers
- The Cross Group. The temple is best appreciated alongside its two companion temples, so you can see the group as a whole.
- The inscriptions. The carved texts are the main reason many visitors come, and they reward slow looking.
- Setting. The temple sits within the national park, so the surrounding forest is part of the experience.
Planning your trip
The temple is reached through Palenque National Park, at the address Palenque National Park, Chiapas 29960, Mexico. For questions before you travel, the listed contact number is +52 916 345 2721. Because the site is an archaeological park, wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and allow time to walk between the structures.
Palenque itself is the natural base for a visit to the temple, and the town and park together make a full day for those interested in the Maya past.
