Monte Albán - Grand Square

(Local Name: Gran Plaza) The Gran Plaza (Grand Square) measures 200 m (656 ft) 3 300 m (985 ft) and forms the centre of the archaeological ruins. The plateau was created partly by removal of soil and partly by incorporating rocks, which were difficult to move, into the constructions as in the north platform, the south platform and the group of buildings G, H, I. This led to these buildings not standing exactly central and the large open steps belonging to each platform not lying exactly opposite one another. To conceal this lack of symmetry the Zapotecs constructed two more small buildings during period III. They stand in front of buildings M and IV and are separated by patios. As in all pre-Columbian architecture almost all of the buildings here were built over up to six times. The walls of the buildings were also covered with multi-coloured stucco.