Deep in the Yucatán Peninsula lies Edzna, a hidden gem among Maya ruins that often gets overlooked, but if you’re a fan of pyramids, ancient cities, or uncovering forgotten corners of history, Edzna should be at the top of your list. While its better-known neighbors like Chichen Itza steal the spotlight, Edzna stands out with its impressive architecture, complex water systems, and a towering pyramid that dominates the landscape—the Temple of the Witch.
The Forgotten Maya City With a Stunning Pyramid
Edzna is the kind of place that blows you away when you first see it, yet it somehow flies under the radar for most people. Built over 2,000 years ago, this ancient Maya city served as a powerful political and economic hub from 300 BCE to around 1450 CE. It may not be as famous as Tulum or Uxmal, but Edzna’s history and architectural brilliance are no less impressive.
The star attraction here is the Temple of the Witch, a pyramid that rises high above the city’s central plaza. Its unique nine-level design makes it unlike most other pyramids in the region, and even though it hasn’t been fully restored, the scale and craftsmanship are still jaw-dropping. Standing at around 79 feet (24 meters) tall and measuring 230 feet (70 meters) across the base, this pyramid was once the focal point for religious rituals and political power in Edzna.
Why the Pyramid Matters
Well to me all pyramids matter. But… The Temple of the Witch isn’t just another ancient ruin; it’s a critical part of Maya history. The pyramid was a symbol of both religious importance and the authority of Edzna’s rulers. If you were to climb the pyramid’s central staircase, you would reach the remnants of a single-room temple at the top. Rituals would take place there with priests performing ceremonies to connect with the gods and rulers demonstrating their power over the city.
But it’s not just the spiritual side that makes this pyramid fascinating. The structure is also proof of the clever ancient architecture and engineering of the Maya as well as their advanced understanding of astronomy. It is no surprise that many Maya pyramids were aligned with celestial events, and Edzna’s pyramid was no different. These alignments were used to plan agricultural cycles and religious festivals, showing the deep connection the Maya had with the cosmos.
Plaza of Edzná, viewed from ground level in 2015. Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Ralf Roletschek.
Edzna’s Advanced Engineering
Beyond its impressive pyramid, Edzna shows off the Maya’s genius in city planning. The city had a clever network of irrigation canals and reservoirs that allowed them to collect and store water. This was critical in an area where water wasn’t always easy to find. The Maya were masters at working with their environment, and these water systems played a huge role in Edzna’s success.
The city also had sacbeob—white stone roads that crisscrossed Edzna and connected it to other Maya cities. These roads weren’t just for local travel; they were key to trade and political connections across the region. And today, you can still walk along those very same paths, retracing the footsteps of the Maya from centuries ago.
Exploring Edzna feels like traveling back in time. But then again, I can say that for almost every ancient site. Nonetheless, I guess it is important to mention that the city covers about 9.5 square miles (25 square kilometers), and the core area is easily walkable for visitors. As you wander, you’ll come across over 32 stone stelae, each carved with intricate glyphs telling stories of the city’s rulers and their achievements.
Archaeologists have also uncovered part of the city’s royal lineage and a special emblem glyph—basically a logo that represented Edzna’s identity. These discoveries show how important Edzna was in the Maya world, even if it doesn’t get as much attention as some of the more famous sites.
Why Edzna Is Worth a Visit
One of the best things about Edzna is that it’s not overrun with tourists like Chichen Itza. This means you can explore the ruins at your own pace, without the crowds. You can really soak in the beauty and history of the place. At Edzna, you get the chance to imagine what life was like here over a thousand years ago without being surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of tourists. Yet the ancient Maya “experience” is there.
So, If you happen to be in the area, and if you’re passionate about ancient history or Maya culture, Edzna is a must-see. The city’s stunning pyramid, advanced water systems, and fascinating history make it a real gem. And the fact that you can experience all of this without the usual tourist hustle? That’s a rare find.
