Cross Group
Grupo de las Cruces
A plaza enclosed by three small temple pyramids: the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Cross and the Temple of the Foliated Cross. You can climb them for a panoramic view of the site.
The Cross Group was built around 692 CE by K'an Bahlam II, son of Pakal. Its three temples each honor one of Palenque's three patron deities, and their roof combs retain the typical openwork Maya crest. Relief panels inside depict royal succession and the World Tree, which gave the cross motif its name; most of the originals have since been moved to the museum. All three temples may be climbed. From the steps of the Temple of the Cross you can look over the palace and the Temple of the Inscriptions, making it one of the best panoramic viewpoints on the site. It lies southeast of the palace and is reached by crossing a small stream.
Opening hours
Follows site hours, about 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- The Palace
- Palenque Archaeological Site
- Temple of the Inscriptions
- Temple XIII (Tomb of the Red Queen)
- Palenque National Park Jungle Trails & Murciélagos Falls
- Palenque Site Museum Alberto Ruz Lhuillier
- El Panchán
- Aluxes Ecopark