Teotihuacán - Palace of the Quetzal Butterfly

(Local Name: Palacio del Quetzalpapálotl) On the left-hand side stands the Palace of the Quetzal Butterfly (Palacio del Quetzalpapálotl). This palace, which was probably used as living quarters by the high priests, is possibly the finest and most important dwelling-place in the city. It is richly decorated and boasts well-preserved frescos. A staircase, which is embellished by an enormous serpent's head, leads to an antechamber decorated with wall-paintings. This leads into a small arched courtyard with square columns which are covered with interesting bas-reliefs depicting the mythological figure of the Quetzal butterfly as well as symbols of birds and water. The reliefs were originally painted and inlaid with layers of obsidian which have been partially preserved. Equally remarkable are the heavily stylised figures painted on a red background and the roof edges decorated with symbols connected with the different parts of the year.