The UNESCO site of Monte Alban

The UNESCO site of Monte Alban is a short ride from Oaxaca. It was established 2500 years ago on a prominent hill by the people of the Oaxaca Valley, known as the “Zapotecs”. It was their capital city for more than a thousand years until it was mysteriously abandoned in the 8th century.

The architecture and art and crafts discovered on Monte Alban indicate strong influences from Teotihuacan. Monte Alban is a large site covering approximately six square kilometres and is believed to have had a population reaching 20000 to 30000.

It is worth dedicating at least half day to exploring the site. The scale of the main square is impressive and was large enough to hold the city’s entire population for the Zapotec festivals.



Monte Alban contains several large pyramids spread throughout the main areas of the Central Square and the Northern Platform.

