Observatory

The Observatory Area Across the main path to the west you will find what is sometimes referred to as the Central Group. (Fodor's refers to this area as 'New Chichen Itza'. Even though this group of buildings is probably older than some in the central plaza there are other older, unrestored ruins close by that are called 'Old Chichen Itza'.)
The Observatory (also referred to as El Caracol - the Snail - due to the spiral staircase in the center of the structure) is one of the few examples of a round building in Mayan architecture.
Clearly an astronomical facility, the windows in the partially collapsed upper room align with the setting sun at the equinoxes and the summer solstice.Other doors and windows align with cycles of the moon and Venus.

	<< Snake head design adorning the staircase of one of the other structures across from the Observatory.

The Xtoloc Well In the woods near the Central Group the Xtoloc well is another cenote, this one apparently used just as a water supply.	Side view of the observatory

The Observatory Area