⛪ Great Pyramid of Cholula

About This Sacred Site

The Great Pyramid of Cholula is the largest pyramid in the world by volume, even surpassing the Great Pyramid of Giza. Known as Tlachihualtepetl ('made-by-hand mountain'), the pyramid was built in stages over more than a thousand years by successive cultures. When the Spanish arrived, the pyramid was so overgrown it appeared to be a natural hill, and they built the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios on its summit. Today it represents a remarkable fusion of pre-Hispanic and Christian sacred spaces, with the church remaining an active pilgrimage destination while the pyramid tunnels reveal ancient ceremonial chambers below.

Key Facts

• •Largest pyramid in the world by volume at 4.45 million cubic meters
• •Built in layers over more than 1,000 years by multiple civilizations
• •The Spanish built a church on top, not realizing it was an ancient pyramid
• •Over 8 kilometers of tunnels have been excavated inside the pyramid
• •Cholula was one of the most sacred cities in pre-Hispanic Mexico

Location

Coordinates: 19.0575, -98.3017