Corner of the Wall of Skulls (the Tzompatli) at Chichen Itza. Photo credit Edit Grof-Tisza    

See the Notes on Chichén Itzá for the other images.

The Temple of Jaguars stands next to the Great Ball Court. Many of our observations about the purposes of these structures at Chichén Itzá are largely just best guesses.

   

The Spanish gave this structure its present name, but it clearly was never a "church." It is one of the oldest structures in the city, dating to the seventh century, and it is not in very good condition. There is one door into the single room inside; the outside is completely covered with stone carvings.

   

I have no idea why this is called the nunnery--I'm sure with some research I could figure this out--but there are some spectacular Maya carvings that adorn the building.