This large structure stands on the point between Cliff and Fewkes
Canyons. While it is not a cliff dwelling it was, without doubt,
constructed by people who lived in cliff dwellings nearby. Within
one-half mile of Sun Temple are twenty cliff dwellings and it is
believed that people from some or all of these may have worked together
to construct this large ceremonial building.
Sun Temple is a D-shaped structure, 121 feet long and 64 feet wide. At
the time of excavation some of the walls were more than 11 feet in
height and originally all of the outer walls probably were a little
higher than that. The walls, which contain some of the best masonry in
the Mesa Verde, have an average thickness of about three feet. There are
no doors in the outer walls and there is no evidence of a roof. The
building contains twenty-four rooms, of various shapes, three kivas and
a large court. Nine of the rooms have no doors; they were simply deep
cells entered from the top.
The most unusual feature of Sun Temple is its evidence of careful
planning. It was not built haphazardly, as were the cliff dwellings, but
according to a preconceived plan. The main, perhaps the original
section, is D-shaped with the parts arranged in almost perfect symmetry.
When the second section was added the building retained the D-shape.
Sun Temple is without doubt the most mysterious building that has been
found in the Mesa Verde. Because of the evidence of careful planning,
the unusual symmetry of its parts, and the complete lack of any evidence
that it was a habitation, Sun Temple is considered to have been
constructed for special ceremonial usage. The name Sun Temple is
misleading, however, for the nature of the ceremonies will never be
known.
[Illustration: Sun Temple]