Monte Albán is one of Oaxaca's most significant archaeological landmarks and was once the preeminent capital of the Zapotec civilization. According to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), it crowns the summit of Cerro del Jaguar at 1,500 meters above sea level.
The site preserves majestic structures that reveal the grandeur of this ancient metropolis, including the Grand Plaza, the South Platform, the Ballcourt, and the Building of the Dancers (Los Danzantes).
The Grand Plaza was leveled by hand and spans approximately 300 meters in length by 180 meters in width. The monumental complex also features stepped terraces, ceremonial canals, pyramids, and mounds sculpted into the mountain ridge.
In 1987, the Historic Center of Oaxaca and the archaeological zone of Monte Albán were collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, honoring the profound historical and cultural value of both treasures.