Giller Spotlight: CS Richardson

Pre-Columbian Pyramids – Cañada de la Virgen

canada-de-la-virgenAfter a 13-year-long investigation, the archaeological zone, La Cañada de la Virgen, finally opened to the public in 2011. These ancient ceremonial ruins were once home to rulers and priests between 300 and 1050 A.D. They also served as a burial ground, (some remains are a thousand years older than the structures themselves) a precisely aligned agricultural calendar, and an observatory center. Sunken patios and pyramids mimic the contours of the nearby hills and mountains, incorporating the surrounding landscape into the architectural design.

From these sacred structures, the ancient Bajío people monitored celestial movements and formed an intimate bond between themselves and the gods. An example of one of these celestial alignments occurs on March 4th, when the sun sets behind the main pyramid as if dropping into it. According to the Mexica/ Otomí calendar this event, ‘the planting of the sun,’ marks the beginning of the planting period, a time when seeds would have been blessed by the priests before being sown.

La Cañada de la Virgen site lies 16 km west-southwest of San Miguel de Allende.  You can arrange a private tour by contacting contact Coyote Canyon Adventures. Guides will drive you to the site, (a fairly long uphill walk) and teach you the history of the five pyramidal structures. 

Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!
0