The Tunnels of Cholula: Exploring the Hidden Secrets of the World's Largest Pyramid

 

Mexico is renowned for its incredible archaeological treasures, with ancient ruins dotting the landscape, revealing the rich history of pre-Columbian civilizations. Among these wonders, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, or Tlachihualtepetl as it was originally known, stands as one of the most extraordinary structures ever built. Though it may not be as famous as Egypt’s pyramids or as immediately striking as the pyramid of the sun in Teotihuacan, the Great Pyramid of Cholula is the world’s largest pyramid by volume. But what truly sets this site apart isn’t just its size—it’s what lies beneath the surface. Hidden under layers of earth and vegetation is a vast network of tunnels that offer a fascinating glimpse into the pyramid’s construction and the ancient religious practices of its builders.

 The Hidden Pyramid Beneath the Hill

Located in the Mexican state of Puebla, the Great Pyramid of Cholula is a massive structure, measuring approximately 1,480 feet along its base and rising to a height of 217 feet. This makes it larger by volume than even the Great Pyramid of Giza. However, unlike the sharp, angular pyramids of Egypt, the Great Pyramid of Cholula appears more like a natural hill from the outside. Over centuries, its adobe construction became overgrown with grass and vegetation, obscuring its true form and leading locals to believe it was simply a natural feature of the landscape. On top of this “hill” now stands the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, built by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that archaeologists began to fully understand the true nature of this massive structure. Excavations starting in the 1930s revealed not only the size of the pyramid but also an intricate system of tunnels running beneath its surface. These tunnels, stretching for several miles, provided a window into the complex construction process of the pyramid, which had been built in layers over the course of several centuries.

 A Layered History of Construction

The Great Pyramid of Cholula wasn’t constructed in one single phase but rather through a series of expansions and renovations carried out over hundreds of years. Archaeologists believe that construction began around 300 BCE by the indigenous people of the region, likely the Olmecs or a related culture. Over time, as the city of Cholula grew into a major religious and political center, the pyramid was expanded by successive civilizations, including the Toltecs and later the Aztecs, who considered it a sacred site dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl.

Each new phase of construction involved adding a new layer over the existing pyramid, enlarging it both horizontally and vertically. This method of expansion created a multi-layered structure, each layer representing a different era of Cholula’s history. The tunnels that archaeologists discovered beneath the pyramid allowed them to examine these layers closely, providing insights into the architectural techniques and materials used by the builders.

The tunnels were originally dug by ancient builders as part of the pyramid’s construction process, but they also served ceremonial purposes. These passageways likely allowed priests and rulers access to the inner sanctums of the pyramid, where they conducted rituals and offerings to the gods. Today, archaeologists have excavated over five miles of these tunnels, some of which are open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the hidden interior of the pyramid.

 Religious and Cultural Significance

The Great Pyramid of Cholula was not just a massive architectural feat—it was a deeply sacred site, serving as a religious center for the region’s inhabitants. The pyramid was dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, who was worshiped by various Mesoamerican cultures. It is believed that Cholula was one of the most important pilgrimage sites in ancient Mexico, drawing people from far and wide to offer sacrifices and participate in religious festivals.

The tunnels beneath the pyramid provided archaeologists with important clues about the religious practices that took place there. Inside the tunnels, researchers found evidence of ceremonial chambers and offerings, including pottery, figurines, and even human remains. These findings suggest that the pyramid was a site of significant ritual activity, with priests conducting ceremonies to honor the gods and ensure the prosperity of the city.

The pyramid’s religious importance didn’t end with the pre-Columbian era. After the Spanish conquest, Catholic missionaries sought to replace indigenous religious practices with Christianity. In a symbolic move, they built the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios on top of the pyramid, blending indigenous and Christian traditions in a way that reflected the complex cultural history of the region. The church, which still stands today, offers a striking contrast between the old and the new, with its Baroque architecture perched atop the ancient ruins.

 A Window into the Past

The Great Pyramid of Cholula and its network of tunnels provide an extraordinary window into the ancient past. The pyramid’s layered construction offers a timeline of the various civilizations that once ruled the region, while the tunnels allow modern-day visitors and archaeologists to explore its hidden depths.

Walking through the tunnels beneath the pyramid, one can’t help but marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient builders who, without the use of modern technology, constructed a structure so vast and complex. The discovery of the tunnels not only sheds light on the architectural achievements of the people of Cholula but also deepens our understanding of their religious beliefs and the significance of the pyramid as a sacred space.

Today, the Great Pyramid of Cholula stands as a testament to the cultural and historical richness of pre-Columbian Mexico. Its tunnels and layers tell the story of a city that was once one of the most important in Mesoamerica, offering a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and architectural prowess of its ancient inhabitants. As visitors explore the hidden passageways of this remarkable structure, they are reminded of the enduring mysteries and achievements of the civilizations that once called Cholula home.