Mitla

Information

The archaeological site of Mitla is located in the town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla, in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It lies about 44 km from the city of Oaxaca de Juárez. To get there by public transport, there are buses that leave from Oaxaca and drop passengers off at the entrance to the town. If traveling by private vehicle, you can reach it via a turnoff from Route 190 which connects directly with Oaxaca.

Mitla was the place where the Zapotecs relocated after the fall of Monte Albán, reaching its greatest development after 1200 AD, although there is evidence of earlier occupation.

It's a site with well-preserved structures that can be explored comfortably in a couple of hours. During the visit you can see several courtyards surrounded by halls, with buildings decorated with stone mosaics forming unique geometric patterns. Another striking feature of the site is the presence of tombs, which add a ritual and funerary dimension to the experience.

One of the most notable spaces is the Hall of the Columns (Salón de las Columnas), a courtyard where imposing stone columns rise. This area often appears in many of the photos and videos that promote the site, thanks to its striking appearance and historical value.

On part of these ruins stands the church of San Pablo Apóstol, clearly visible from various points around the site. It was built by the Spaniards using materials taken from the pre-Hispanic structures, reflecting the process of transformation and cultural layering that marked the colonial era.