La Campana, Archaeological complex in Villa de Álvarez, Mexico.
La Campana is an archaeological complex near Colima with pyramid-shaped structures, residential areas, ball courts, and underground chambers organized across a large planned layout. The site displays a deliberate arrangement of different functional zones that worked together as an urban center.
The settlement began around 1500 BCE and grew into the largest population center in western Mexico. Official recognition as a protected archaeological site came in 1917.
This site served as a spiritual center with spaces designed for rituals and ceremonies that shaped community life. The underground chambers functioned as burial places where people left objects alongside the dead, reflecting their beliefs about the afterlife.
The site is located north of Colima and reachable by public transportation or taxi from the city. Visitors should check local conditions and access requirements before planning their trip to ensure smooth entry.
The complex features a sophisticated system for draining rainwater that reveals how advanced urban planning was at the time. Buildings were deliberately constructed with materials selected to withstand earthquakes.
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