"Hi-rise Luxury from the 1200s" Montezuma Castle National Monument by Jonathan_C

Montezuma Castle National Monument Travel Guide: 54 reviews and 160 photos

Montezuma Castle pueblo - Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument is the best preserved of all the Sinaguan Indian sites. The five-story, 20-room building clings to recesses in a cliff face along Beaver Creek. The pueblo appears to have been made by giant cliff swallows with a penchant for right angles. Construction was begun in the 12th century during the golden years of the Sinaguan cultural flowering. However, like the pueblos at Tuzigoot and Wupatki, it was eventually abondaned.

Little is known about the inhabitants of these lovely structures other than their departure in the early 1400s. Whatever the cause -- overpopulation, war, famine, plague -- it is believed that the survivors were ultimately incorporated into Hopi clans.

Contrasting Ruins

Montezuma Castle ruins

Just west of the cliff dwellings are the ruins of 'Castle A'. Evidence shows this structure may have been six stories high, containing perhaps 45 rooms -- a modest apartment building by today's standards. The juxtaposition of these two ruins makes the well preserved nature of Montezuma Castle all the more remarkable.

If you ever find yourself driving between Phoenix and Flagstaff you should certainly stop by Montezuma Castle for a brief break from the modern world. For those interested in sustainable development in the Arizona desert, this site should be combined with a visit to Arcosanti to compare and contrast ancient and modern attempts to harmonize architecture and ecology in this harsh landscape.

Last visit to Montezuma Castle National Monument: May 2004
Intro Updated Sep 18, 2005
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Reviews (2)

reading about history - Montezuma Castle National Monument

Reading Material Things to Do (2)

You won't find many books on Montezuma Castle or the Sinaguan indians in your local library. But you can stock up on... more travel advice

Riparian Zone Things to Do (2)

From the ruins, a 1/3 mile trail takes you through a lovely forest of cottonwood, sycamore and willow to the edge of... more travel advice

Comments (4)

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scotlandscotour Dec 3, 2004 at 5:04 AM

History begins when you stop being taught it and realise it is all around us, it is our heritage, the past upon which we live. Without the past we never happened. Prehistoric is a non sequitur. All is history. Not just white men's diaries. Thanks Jon.
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Stephen-KarenConn Oct 20, 2004 at 6:10 AM

I love these prehistoric places. Causes the mind to wonder.
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zrim Aug 12, 2004 at 11:16 AM

Neat place. It will be added to the agenda for my next trip to Arizona.
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mtncorg Jul 15, 2004 at 2:32 PM

Another unknown Arizonan gem which, when discovered, can give us a much fuller appreciation for the US beyond what we are taught in school.