KUKULCAN TEMPLE

Kukulcan Temple model kit

The Temple of Kukulcán at Chichén Itzá: the Mayan pyramid

The Temple of Kukulcán, also known as El Castillo, is the most famous pyramid of the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, this majestic monument stands as one of the greatest testaments to the architectural and cultural brilliance of the Mayan civilization. Since 1988, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The pyramid rises over 24 meters in height and consists of nine stepped terraces crowned by a temple at the top. Each of its four main staircases has 91 steps, which, when added to the final step leading to the temple, total 365—the exact number of days in the solar year. This design demonstrates the Mayans’ deep astronomical knowledge and the way they linked architecture with the cycles of time.

One of the most admired phenomena of the Temple of Kukulcán occurs during the spring and autumn equinoxes. On these days, the sunlight creates a play of shadows on the northern staircase that gives the illusion of a serpent descending—the representation of the deity Kukulcán, the feathered serpent. This unique spectacle attracts thousands of visitors every year and reflects the precision with which the Mayans integrated astronomy, religion, and architecture.

Beyond its ceremonial role, the temple was the spiritual and political heart of Chichén Itzá. Its imposing presence continues to symbolize the Mayan worldview and their ability to unite science and faith in constructions of extraordinary beauty and meaning.

With our model kit of the Temple of Kukulcán, you can bring home a miniature reproduction of this icon of Mesoamerican architecture. A perfect piece for collectors, history lovers, and anyone who wants to preserve a unique memory of Mexico and the grandeur of the Mayan world.