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Sightseeing

Groupo de las Cruces

📍 Groupo de las Cruces, Palenque, Mexico
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Introduction

The Grupo de las Cruces stands on raised ground in the south-east of Palenque: three pyramid-temples — the Temple of the Cross, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Foliated Cross — built by K'inich Kan B'alam II, son of Pakal. Each holds a carved tablet centred on a "world tree" motif, which early investigators mistook for a crucifix, giving the group its name. The inscriptions set out the dynasty's mythic origins and the legitimacy of succession, and remain important material for the study of Maya writing.

✨ Highlights

1
The three tablets
Compositions centred on the world tree, with texts on dynastic myth and rightful succession.
2
Kan B'alam's project
Commissioned by Pakal's son, showing Palenque's building standards at its height.
3
Views from the platform
From the top the palace and Temple of the Inscriptions lay out below.

🛈 Practical Info

→Duration：1–2 hours
→Address：Groupo de las Cruces, Palenque, Mexico
→Best time：By day; check official hours
→Around：In Palenque; include in city tour
→Activities：Visit & photos
→Combine：With city sights

💡 Tips

• The stairs are steep — take them slowly and use the rail if your knees are unreliable.
• It sits in the same enclosure as the palace and Temple of the Inscriptions; follow the loop in one go.
• Afternoon showers are common, so carry rain cover.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Groupo de las Cruces?

The stairs are steep — take them slowly and use the rail if your knees are unreliable. It sits in the same enclosure as the palace and Temple of the Inscriptions; follow the loop in one go.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.