F7Q9+X7 Coba, Quintana Roo, Mexico
The building known as the Church has a foundation consisting of nine bodies with rounded corners. It comprises several construction phases layered one on top of another. Its construction began in the Early Classic period (300-600 AD), with the last modification made during the Postclassic period. It is the second tallest building on the site, standing 24 meters high, with windows facing the Coba lagoon. The first body of the building is not visible, as the Inner Courtyard completely covers it; only part of the second body is visible, above which are two vaulted rooms and a staircase leading on both sides. It is the second tallest pyramid on this site, over 24 meters high, built and expanded over hundreds of years, starting from the Early Classic period. It consists of nine tiers topped by a small Postclassic temple. It is located at the back of an open courtyard facing west and opens through a plaza onto Lake Coba. Unfortunately, the pyramid is no longer accessible for climbing.
In front of the pyramid is the upper half of Stela 11 and its accompanying round altar, both protected by a thatched roof. A recent discovery of the lower half of Stela 11, buried just behind the upper half, provided epigraphers with new information about a previously unknown ruler, Shaman K’awiil. He ascended the throne on 9.9.19.2.3., March 13, 632 AD.
A rich cache of offerings was found beneath the lower half. Among the items discovered were jade earspools, jade beads, a jade ceremonial axe, pearls, and shell breastplates.
It was formerly known as the "Castle"; its current name likely relates to the fact that the stela located at its base (Stela 11) is still venerated.
At the base of the Church and opposite the staircase is the upper fragment of a stela, surrounded by a small round altar in front. The carving on the stela is almost worn away, with only some symbols discernible. Local residents still venerate this stela, seeing on it a maiden they call Kolbiu, to whom they light candles in her honor and in their prayers ask for a good harvest and success in hunting. This practice, once performed in the solitude of a rarely visited place, is becoming less and less common.
Sources:
https://www.themayanruinswebsite.com/coba2.html
https://pueblosoriginarios.com/meso/maya/sitios/coba_coba.html
