X’catzmil, located in the community of Plan de Ayala near Mérida’s southern boundary, is perhaps the city’s most overlooked archaeological site. This neglect is unfortunate, as it is home to possibly the largest Prehispanic structure still surviving within Mérida’s city limits, excluding Dzibilchaltún in Chablekal.
Historical Neglect and Damage
Reliable sources on X’catzmil are scarce, but they suggest that the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has never intervened at the site. The oldest photographs, dating back to 1997, already show severe damage to the three visible structures at the site’s core, primarily due to looters.
“When I was a little girl, the mound was at least twice as large as it is now, and that’s not just because I used to be so much smaller. Everyone around here seems to agree on that,” said Bertha, a neighbor of the once-great ceremonial complex.
The pillaging of the site has continued into the 21st century. Measurements taken in 2000 indicated that the largest structure was 18 meters high. Today, it has shrunk to just 15 meters. The damage is evident, with large sections of the pyramid showing signs of the removal of carved stones, many of which have been integrated into nearby homes.
Recent Deterioration
Further damage to these structures is apparent between January 2023 and November 2024, primarily due to vegetation growth around the pyramid summit, which houses the structure’s most intact section. At the summit, evidence of ancient chambers with stone lintels that once supported ceilings connecting interior chambers can still be seen. However, scaling the pyramid is dangerous due to loose stones and the potential for further damage.
Additional Structures and Modern Impact
Aside from the main pyramid, two other structures at X’catzmil are in even worse condition. It is also evident that several homes in the area are built atop ancient artificial platforms to avoid flooding. Many properties feature large carved stones, now severely eroded, as decorations or benches on their front porches.
Fields and corridors further from the site’s core show evidence of Prehispanic constructions, with smaller carved stones and ceramics abundant. While it would be preferable for these structures and materials to be respected, contemporary Maya populations repurposing their ancestors’ temples to build their homes is a fascinating aspect of the site.
Future Prospects
What survives of X’catzmil is likely too far gone to be restored, and given the historical lack of interest, any recovery seems extremely unlikely. This is a relatively rough part of town, so visiting, especially after sundown, is not recommended. It may be better to enjoy the photos instead.
X’catzmil, along with dozens of other archaeological remains within Mérida’s city limits, serves as a reminder that the city is just the latest incarnation of a region that has thrived for thousands of years.
Source: Yucatan Magazine
