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Palenque Walking Tour

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The Temple of the Count at Palenque
Temple of the Count, Palenque

Temple of the Count, Palenque

Nicoletta Maestri

The Temple of the Count marks the west side of the North Group. Its name refers to the explorer Frederic Waldeck, who claimed to be a count. Waldeck lived within the temple buildings for almost two years at the beginning of the 19th century, while he was documenting the site.

The main building of the Temple of the Count is a tall pyramid, facing eastward. On top of the pyramid sits the temple, which is accessible through a long stairway. The temple is a typical construction for Palenque, with three entrances and divided into a rear and front passageway. Its pillars were covered with stucco images. The structure is covered by a masonry vault and the roof is decorated by the typical roof comb. Three burials with elegant offerings were found within its interior.

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