Cempoala Archaeological Site
Zona Arqueológica de Cempoala
The ancient capital of the Totonac civilization, where Cortés formed an alliance in 1519, with well-preserved circular stone walls and temple pyramids.
Cempoala was the capital of the Totonac civilization during the Postclassic period, at its peak possibly home to tens of thousands of people. After Cortés landed in 1519, he formed an alliance with the Totonac leaders here to resist the Aztecs. The site features the Great Temple, the Temple of the Chimneys, the Temple of the Wind, and several stepped platforms built of river stone and plaster, along with distinctive circular walls. A small site museum is nearby. Admission is about 95 pesos, and the site may close on Mondays. It is about 45 km from Veracruz and can be visited along with La Antigua.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Chachalacas Dunes
- La Antigua
- San Juan de Ulúa
- Zócalo of Veracruz
- Cathedral of Veracruz
- Gran Café de la Parroquia
- Venustiano Carranza Lighthouse
- Naval Museum of Mexico