Iglesia Vieja, Tonalá, Ancient Mesoamerican archaeological site in Tonalá, Mexico.
Iglesia Vieja is an archaeological site with 73 main structures spread across three plateaus in the Chiapas mountains. The buildings adapt to the natural landscape and show careful planning of the ancient settlement.
The site was inhabited from the 5th to the 10th century and played an important role between different cultural regions. Its strategic location made it a meeting point for different peoples and trade routes.
The site displays stone monuments showing local animals and human faces that reflect how the inhabitants understood their surroundings and community. These carved works reveal what mattered most to the people who lived here.
The road to the site is partly paved and requires a sturdy vehicle, especially during the rainy season. Comfortable shoes are important because the ground is uneven and the path between structures sometimes gets steep.
The structures were built using massive granite blocks fitted together in complex patterns. Each building shows its own construction approach adapted to the steep terrain.
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