Osario, Yucatán, Mexico
Chichanchob in Chichen Itza is the largest and best-preserved of the four buildings surrounding the plaza. Chichanchob translates as “little holes” from the Maya language chi'ich'ichan, which means “little,” and ch'ob, “hole,” possibly due to the small holes in the crest. It is also widely known as the Red House “Casa Colorada” because of the red stripe painted inside the vestibule or first chamber.
This structure corresponds to the Puuc style, although later a small ball court platform was added to the back wall (eastern side). An inscription with the construction completion date of 850 AD was found inside the building, which helps to clearly date it. The structure includes a vestibule accessed by three entrances and three rooms located at the rear. The smooth facade is very simple, featuring only two stucco decorations and two crests at the top. The Red House consists of a rectangular platform with rounded corners, standing 7 meters high, with a slight slope and ending with a projecting molding. The base measures 22.50 meters long and 18 meters wide, with a staircase 9.60 meters wide in the center of its western side, providing access to the temple located above.
Chichanchob in Chichen Itza is part of other buildings on a small plaza located along the path from the Ossuary group to the Observatory.
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