Columns which have been found on the site, as well as the colossal statues known as the Atlantes (the left one and also the upper part of the right one are reproductions: originals in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City) have been assembled on the platform of the temple pyramid. The superb 4.60 m (15 ft) high statues, which once supported the roof of the temple, symbolise the god Quetzalcóatl in his guise of the morning star. In their right hand the statues each hold a sling for hurling spears (atlatl), while in their left hand they hold a bundle of arrows, a pouch of incense and a small sword. On their breast they carry a shield in the shape of a butterfly. The rear belt-buckle is in the form of a setting sun. The square columns display reliefs with the symbol of the earth (a crocodile's head) and pictures of warriors and weapons; the column which is incomplete has the face of Quetzalcóatl depicted on it.
The round columns are decorated with finely-carved reliefs made up of feather patterns, as they were originally columns in the shape of serpents, whose heads formed the base. During the destruction of Tollán the temple was torn down and the great Atlantes, together with the shattered columns, were hurled over a ramp into the depths below.
On the side walls, which are formed in a modified talud-tablero style, it is still possible in many places on the vertical sections to make out a frieze with impressive reliefs of jaguars and eagles, which are holding human hearts in their claws and devouring them.
In the former great entrance hall (Gran Vestíbulo) all the columns are reconstructions. In the north-west corner the remains of painted reliefs are visible, depicting a procession of warriors and priests. To the right of the ascending steps the statue of a headless Chac-mool stands.
The whole site is in many ways similar to the palace of warriors in Chichén Itzá. These characteristic "exported" symbols of Toltec architecture, such as serpent columns, friezes with reliefs of striding jaguars and eagles, small atlantes supporting altars, Chac-mools, etc., can certainly be found in many of the regions of Meso-America, especially, however, in Chichén Itzá.
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