Xunantunich

About

Founded around the same time as ceramics were invented, Xunantunich remained inconsequential until the end of the 7th century AD when its connection with the Naranjo solidified. This prosperity was short lived as the site was abandoned after a violent event around 750 AD, and wasn’t resettled until the 9th century. Again, the city only enjoyed a few years of prosperity, being abandoned for the final time by 1000. Excavations at the site didn’t begin until 1890, and almost immediately sightings of the ghost of a woman, dressed entirely in white with red, glowing eyes were reported. She haunts the steps of the 40-meter-tall Castillo, the second largest Mayan structure in Belize, which is ornamented with a monumental plaster frieze. A narrow staircase leads to the top of the pyramid, which gives a stunning view of the other ruins that dot the site - each of which beckon to visitors to discover their secrets.