Montezuma Castle National Monument, Sedona Arizona

It is strange to think that the Mexican Aztec culture would have influenced native Arizona culture in the way that it has. However, it is this connection that has fuelled continued interest and curiosity from tourists in Montezuma Castle National Monument (close to Sedona). In fact, the site not only draws visitors, but historians who to this day are trying to fathom how this all came about.

Montezuma Castle National Monument is located near Sedona, Arizona. It is well known for its ancient dwellings, built into its very cliffs. In fact, its name came about from reports of native traditions and their worship of the Aztec Emperor, Montezuma. It draws many visitors, especially those familiar with Mexican history, intrigued that such a culture had existed or even had possible contact or knowledge of the ancient Aztecs.

The cave homes were constructed somewhere around the fifteenth century by the Sinagua tribe. Their traditions intrigued European settlers, who told tales of the worship of the Aztec Emperor and traditions that were not that different to the Aztecs.

Some of the homes are five stories in height. Some are built with mortar, containing some twenty rooms, and probably housing about fifty or more people. Natural cliff overhangs provide shade and needed shelter from wetter weather. However, another larger home nearby did not survive as intact.

The US government finally took action to protect these historical ruins, giving them monument status in 1906. Since then they have been registered as historical places.

There is a trail that leads to the cliffs from a visitor center. However, direct access to these ruins is not permitted.