Cempoala

Cempoala is an archaeological site in the state of Veracruz in eastern Mexico with temple compounds and residential areas from the Totonac period. The arrangement of stone structures follows an axis that runs from the main square to the larger pyramids, while lower platforms and courtyards sit in between.

The center was founded in the 13th century by Totonacs who moved from the western highlands to the coastal plain. Hernán Cortés reached the city in 1519 and met with the leader who entered into an alliance against the Aztecs.

The ceremonial plaza sits near an old river course that once carried Totonac trade routes where cotton and vanilla changed hands. The buildings still bear traces of the white lime coating made from crushed shells that glowed brightly under sunlight.

The site sits in Úrsulo Galván municipality about 48 kilometers north of the port city of Veracruz and opens Tuesday through Sunday. Comfortable footwear helps as paths between structures consist of dry grass and loose gravel.

Archaeologists found traces of an underground drainage system that collected and diverted water from different parts of the city. The system used terracotta pipes and carved stone channels that ran beneath the plazas.