DZIBILNOCAC
WHY SHOULD I VISIT IT?
In a visit to Dzibilnocac you can be witness of the imposing Chenes architecture in Campeche. Edifice "A" has several rooms distributed lengthwise over which three towers had been added with simulated temples on their summit: one on the top of the building and the other two towers one on each end. In some sectors finely cut ashlars still remain which decorate the edifice forming the image of a great fantastic mask.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Departing from Campeche city drive on federal highway 261 which leads to Hopelchén village and links with Dzibalchén village, from that point take the road which leads to Iturbide community finding the site 200 kilometers ahead.
HISTORY OF THE SITE
Dzibilnocac in Mayan language means "Painted Vault" (ts'ibil-thing or something painted, nokak-vault) or another meaning "Great Painted Turtle" (ts'ibil-thing or something painted, nohocn aak-great turtle). The earliest dated evidence of human occupation in the site was in Mid Pre-Classic period, between 500 and 50 B.C.
TOURING THE SITE
The area of the site is about 1.32 square kilometers where monticles equivalent to bases of piramides, platforms, vaulted edifices and rooms are well distributed. The central area of the site was used for ceremonial activities and surrounding it, habitable rooms were erected. Even though Dzibilnocac is a fair sized site, only a small part of it can be visited, for Structure I, up to now is the only edifice carved.
This structure is also known as Palace-Temple, and was erected in the Late Classic period from 600 to 800 A.D. It is a platform of about 76 meters long and 30 meters broad and above it three Río Bec style towers alternated with vaulted rooms where built, but only one tower still remains on the East side.
This tower is crowned by a simulated temple and its access is a non-functional staircase. The false accesses to the temple are sorrounded by a huge mask resembling the Earth Monster and on their corners you can see profile masks of Chaac, the Mayan Rain God, disposed in cascade.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Schedule Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 17:00 pm
Visiting time required: 1 hour
Visiting time required departing from Campeche City: 3 hours
Transportation: Bus or car
Recomendation: When visiting Dzibilnocac you might programme a visit to Hochob archaeological zone.
Services: custodians, restrooms and parking lot
SERVICES NEARBY
SOFT DRINKS: Iturbide and Dzibilnocac villages
RESTAURANTS: Dzibalchén village
LODGING: Hopelchén village
GAS STATION: Hopelchén village
TELEPHONE: Iturbide village
MEDICAL SERVICES: Iturbide village
RECOMENDATION
In Spring and Summer time, wear light clothes because the temperature is over 30 C During June, July and August, use mosquito repellent.
MORE ABOUT DZIBILNOCAC
Diccionario Maya CORDEMEX Mérida, Yucatán: Ediciones CORDEMEX, 1980. 57, 272, 341
Pacheco Cruz. Diccionario de Etimologías Toponímicas Mayas. Conjunto de Apreciaciones. Mérida Yucatán: 1959. 149.
Piña Chan, Román. Cultura y Ciudades Mayas de Campeche. México: Gobierno del Estado de Campeche, 195. 107-112.
Zapata P., Renée Lorelei. Región Arqueológica del Norte del Estado de Campeche, Tohcok, Dzibilnocac, Hachob, Xcavil de Yaxche, Xculoc, Chunhuhub y Santa Rosa Xtampak. Documento inédito preparado para gira periodística. Centro INAH Campeche, 1996.