Geometric stone mosaics, six monolithic columns and cotton textiles with patterns inspired by motifs from the pre-Hispanic site shape the cultural history of San Pablo Villa De Mitla. The archaeological zone occupies the center of town; Mitla was once an important Zapotec settlement. For your stay, archaeological architecture, the museum and handicrafts offer different points of interest.
The Architecture of the Archaeological Zone
The archaeological zone of Mitla comprises five monumental architectural groups: the Northern Group, the Columns Group, the Arroyo Group, the Adobe or Calvario Group, and the Southern Group. Facades and interior walls are decorated with finely crafted geometric stone mosaics characteristic of the Late Zapotec style. This lets you focus on both the layout of the complex and its ornamental details.
The Salón de las Columnas has six large monolithic columns that once supported the roof. The mosaics reveal the decorative side of the architecture, while the columns point to its former roof structure. If you are interested in Mitla for its Zapotec architecture, you will find two distinct details here: the finely crafted patterns and the columns’ former load-bearing function.
Local History at the Museum and Church
The town is home to the Ervin Frissell Archaeological Museum, a cultural point of reference for the community that offers an introduction to Zapotec archaeology. Museum topics include the archaeology of Oaxaca and Mitla, as well as the museum’s history. Other areas of focus include finds from the Fortaleza de Mitla, funerary urns and pottery from Oaxaca, Zapotec writing, and the community’s ethnographic customs and traditions. The range of topics extends from archaeological finds to writing and local customs.
The Church of San Pablo Apóstol is also part of the town’s history. Construction began in 1590; it was built on a pyramidal platform at Mitla and is dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle. The church is considered a popular place to visit and is a historic building with a distinctive mystical atmosphere. Together, the archaeological architecture and the church offer different historical points of reference in Mitla.
Textile Art and Handicrafts
Family workshops in Mitla produce cotton textiles in a wide range of colors and patterns. Many designs incorporate geometric motifs from the pre-Hispanic site, creating a visual connection to its architecture. Mitla also has textile workshops with backstrap and treadle looms. Visitors can watch the process, from shearing the sheep to making the finished garment. Check with the individual workshop in advance to find out whether this demonstration is available during your visit.
The municipal handicrafts market brings together local artisans and vendors who display and sell goods from their workshops. While the workshops offer insights into textile production, the market focuses on displaying and selling handicrafts.
Mezcal and Getting There
For a mezcal tasting, look beyond the town itself: the area around Mitla is home to palenques, or artisanal mezcal distilleries. There, you can taste distillates made from different agaves, especially EspadĂn agave. The tastings offer a different focus from the archaeological zone and handicrafts in town; plan to visit the palenques in the surrounding area.
To get there from Oaxaca City, take the Pan-American Highway 190 toward Tehuantepec. At kilometer 39, take the turnoff north to Mitla. Check the current opening hours of the archaeological zone before your visit, as they may change.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca, Santa MarĂa Jacatepec, Juchitán De Zaragoza, Guadaloupe, Tlachicon, Tehuantepec, San Felipe Del Agua, Salina Cruz.
For the main travel overview: Oaxaca.
