Palenque: The City of Kings

Palenque is considered by many to be the most moving and enigmatic of all the Mayan cities. It is such a beautiful place, and with so much character, that visitors feel irresistibly attracted to it.
The architecture in Palenque virtually sings with Baroque elegance; it is not mute, like the traditional—heavier and more rigid—architecture of other Maya ceremonial centers. It is a city built by kings and designed to glorify royalty.
Without a doubt, Palenque is one of the most famous of the ancient Mayan cities, captivating tourists and archaeologists alike. There are many factors contributing to its charm. There is the verdant, lush greenery of the Chiapas highlands - shrouded by misty skies from the rains - which lend a surreal touch to the site. Another factor is the architecture in Palenque, which is so inventive and delicate that it distinguishes the city as one of the most beautiful cities in the  undo
Maya. Add to this the fascinating biography of its kings that is told through thousands of hieroglyphics, and you have one very interesting place.
Palenque covers an area measuring 2.8 miles from east to west, and 1.2 miles from north to south. It is located 754 feet above sea level in the first of Chiapas’ northern mountain ranges. It
is nourished by the many river-fed ravines that run between the buildings.
The Maya city was discovered in 1773 by a group of soldiers and Spanish missionaries, who had arrived after the city had already been abandoned.
Founded originally around 200 A.D., it reached its pinnacle between 600 and 750 A.D. The city’s decline began between 850 and 900 A.D., along with
that of neighboring Tikal, Copan and Bonampak.
Palenque has a distinctive architectural style unlike any other Mayan site. Alfonso Morales, chief archaeologist for the Pre-Columbian Art Research Institute at Palenque, believes its position as a border city may have contributed to the uniqueness of its design. As an important trade center close to the Usumacinta River bordering the lowlands of the state of Yucatan (Mexico) and the Peten Valley (Guatemala), Palenque would have been exposed to many outside influences. This could explain why the site is so unique architecturally. These outside influences probably caused the Mayans at Palenque to develop their own style. The characters of its two greatest rulers are also indelibly stamped on Palenque.
One cannot visit the city without meeting its two great leaders. Although each had his own personal agenda, Pakal and his son Chan-Bahlum were both great rulers gifted with foresight.