The most recognisable structure at Uxmal: an unusually steep pyramid with an elliptical (oval) base rather than the rectangular base typical of Maya architecture. At 35 metres tall, it dominates the site and is visible from a distance above the surrounding scrub forest. The name is a colonial Spanish invention; the Maya knew it as the Pyramid of the Soothsayer.
The pyramid's unusual shape results from its construction in five stages, each new temple built over the previous ones on a different axis. The western staircase leads to two temples near the summit; the eastern staircase descends steeply to a lower temple with a mouth-shaped doorway representing the rain god. Climbing is currently restricted to preserve the structure.