Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/593

Rh to this, though on a still larger and more ornate scale. There are other instances of the palace and temple standing together.

Sometimes, instead of the buildings standing within and above each other, as in the last example, they are arranged around a courtyard, as in that called the Casa de las Monjas at Uxmal (Woodcut No. 1003), one of the most remarkable buildings in Central America for its size, as well as for the elaborateness of its decorations. It is raised on three low terraces, reaching a total height of 20 ft. The block to the south, 260 ft long, is pierced by a triangular-headed

gateway, 10 ft. 8 in. wide, leading to a courtyard, measuring upwards of 200 ft. each way, and surrounded on all sides by buildings, as shown in the plan; which, though only one story in height, from their size and the elaborateness of their decorations, form one of the most remarkable groups of buildings in the world.