<P> Often the most important temples sat atop towering Maya pyramids, some of over two - hundred feet, such as that at El Mirador . The sanctuary on top commonly was heightened by a crest or roof comb . While recent discoveries point toward the extensive use of pyramids as tombs, the temples themselves seem to rarely, if ever, contain burials . </P> <P> At Chichén Itzá one there is a pyramid; El Castillo, in Spanish, "the castle". This is a 91 step per staircase (79 - foot) step pyramid and excellent example of Maya myth and astronomical cycles joined in architecture . The architecture clearly shows much about how the Maya and Toltec views and vision of the universe . The dark nighttime skies of the Yucatán provide much inspiration and is incorporated into the architecture . </P> <P> Also referred to as the Pyramid of Kukulkán, the structure provides a remarkable display that is visible to modern visitors . El Castillo is famous for a bi-annual event falling on the Spring and Fall Equinoxes . The Maya with great understanding of astronomical cycles positioned the Pyramid of Kukulkán to use the setting sun as the light to create a display . Notable is the fact that there are 365 steps on the pyramid, one for each day of the year . </P> <P> The setting sun's rays are manipulated by the pyramid and joined with the shadows create the illusion of a snake winding its way down the steps of the pyramid . The snake is composed of several triangle shapes giving it the appearance of a diamond back snake . The intent of this display is obviously unknown, although many believe it to be a manifestation of the god Kukulkán, a feathered serpent Maya god . The display is witnessed twice yearly by thousands who watch as the snake winds its way down the stairs . At the base of the pyramid there are massive snake head sculptures that the snake ends its journey by uniting with . </P>

Mayan cities usually display the following architectural features