Chichen Itza was a sacred city built by the Mayans beginning around 600 A.D., in the present-day state of Yucatán, in Mexico. Most of the construction dates from 600 to 900 A.D., but the city did not fall into disuse until 1200 A.D.
The current archaeological complex includes the ruins of houses, many temples, ball courts, platforms, an observatory, a market, and a steam bath. Houses for the elite are covered with reliefs and paintings.
The most distinctive element of Chichen Itza, however, is the Temple of Kukulkan (or Quetzalcoatl, the Plumed Serpent), which is also known as the Castle. It is a step pyramid in the center of the Chichen Itza complex and was built on top of a previous pyramid. The temple at the top of the step pyramid is accessed by four exterior staircases.