I’ve always been fascinated by pyramids (along with castles/waterfalls/arches/bridges) so as soon as I found out there was one near by that had only recently been open to the public I knew I had to see it. Canada de la Virgen was first excavated in 1995 and has only been open to visitors since 2011 – and that access is strictly controlled because it sits on private property. Guides are mandatory and the tour involves extensive walking on uneven ground.
The site was built by the Otomi people around 530 AD and faces the celestial north. The Otomi were sky watchers and there have been archaeoastronomical studies conducted. Because of its orientation, the moon moves along the stairs of the House of Thirteen Heavens at key times during the solstice periods and the lunar calendar.
The site contains multiple structures that have been excavated and many others are believed to still be covered. New findings and constant changing in beliefs are common with archaeology and our guide told us it is possible this site was used for matriarchal/feminine ceremonies.
alicrain 