I read that this pyramid, Kulkulkans Pyramid (named El Castillo by the Spanish) was aligned so that the sun rises over one of its corners at the summer solstice, and sets over another at the winter solstice. Each side has 91 steps, and a common stair encircles the entire pyramid at the top, for a total of 365 steps, the number of days in the solar year. During the fall and spring equinoxes, a pattern of sunlit triangles is formed on the edge of the northern balustrade that resembles the image of a snake slithering down the pyramid as the sun sets. A great number of modern Maya and tourists gather to watch this occurrence each year. The complexity of this design is mind-boggling.
The pyramid is a massive stone structure with a square base 60 yards on each side. The sides of the pyramid have rectangular panels that protrude at regular intervals to create a beautiful design. There are nine tiers leading to the top. On the north side, a serpent design is incorporated into the pyramid, which is very consistent with the Toltec style.
I don’t think I can say, in one simple sentence, what this artwork/architecture is about. It’s a complex structure with many dimensions to it. There are references to Quetzacoatl as the God of Wind, but also aspects of it that point to sun worship. I believe that the Toltec knew exactly what they were building, and why, and that future generations can only make educated guesses.
I chose this structure to write about because it was the most significant piece of architecture I read about while doing research for components A and B of this project. I wish that I could have found some good pictures of the north side, because it sounds like a lot of significant work was done on that side, where the main entrance to the sanctuary is. I’d like to see this pyramid in person someday, and place my hands on the stone to see what it feels like. I’d also like to stand at the bottom of the stairs and look up to see how big it really is.