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> Homepage > Homepage > Welcome > Destinations > Chetumal & the South > Mayan splendor >   Dzibanché
 Dzibanché was an important city that flourished from A.D. 300 to 1200. The site was discovered in 1927 by Thomas Gann who christened it Dzibanché, or ‘carved in wood’. It was named after Temple VI whose zapote wood lintels are set with dates. The site’s outstanding structures are labeled Temple I and II. In the first, a well-constructed tomb with quality offerings was found. The nature of the grave goods and the fine construction suggest it was built for someone important. Among the items found within it was a vessel whose lid bears a sculpted owl leading, inevitably, to the temple being named Temple of the Owl.
Also located at Dzibanché are the Temple of the Cormorants; the Patio of Xibalbá and its North and South plazas; and the Gann Plaza, location of Structure XIII. Also called Building of the Captives, Str. XIII is embellished with artwork showing persons in submissive positions.
Kinichná (‘house of the sun’) is just 2 km north of Dzibanché and was part of the larger site. Kinichná is small, but its structures are beautifully embellished. The site consists of small buildings and a modest plaza where the long, symmetrical structure called the Acropolis is located. The Acropolis appears to glorify the power of Dzibanché, and the Petén architectural style in which it was built dates it to sometime between A.D. 200 and 600.
To reach Dzibanché, take Highway 186 to the Morocoy turn-off (about km 58). The turnoff for Dzibanché is 3 km beyond Morocoy.
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© 2004 Editorial Veras. La guía Oficial del Caribe Mexicano.