Chichen Itza The Nunnery. The Spanish named this huge complex the Nunnery because it resembled Spanish Convents. Yet this building was likely a government building used for civic not religious purposes. It is one of the oldest building on the site with the first construction beginning in 600 AD. It was remodeled and repurposed as another layer was added.
The nearby Nunnery Annex is recognizable from the 19th century Catherwood drawings. It is a remarkable structure with Chac Masks and incredible detail. The front façade is carved in the shape of a giant Chac – the door is the gaping mouth.