Mitla

Mitla is another prehispanic site, very interesting and special, there are evidences that people lived there since the first century, even before Monte Alban became the center of power. Mitla was the center of political and religious power for the Zapotecs.

The archaeological area comprises 5 monumental architectural ensembles. In the northern ensemble were the administration buildings and the palaces of high ranking characters, the facades are ornamented with mosaics and fretwork with different board framed designs, elements of the rich Zapotec tradition and with a strong Teotihuacan influence.

During the XIV century when the friars established the catholic religion, they built the church of Saint Paul, on top of these living quarters, using the materials obtained from the destruction of the different pre-Hispanic palaces.

The building of Columns stands out for its decoration of the façade and the exclusive use of monolithic columns used as structural elements. There are three quadrangular patios with different dimensions and built at different levels. They are decorated with fretwork assembled as mosaics, they reminded me of Greek mosaics.

Some of the buildings show the history of destruction and vandalism that Mitla suffered due to the Spanish conquest, because they used the materials to finish the temple of Saint Paul, trying to finish any vestiges of the pre-Hispanic culture and imposing the culture and religion of Europe.

In some of the building tombs have been found belonging to the Post classic period. To build this architectural ensemble implied deep knowledge of architecture, engineering and astronomy, as well as a
delicate esthetic sense and great sculpture skill. This is one more treasure that Oaxaca holds for the visitors.