Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle is one of the best preserved historic buildings in North America. It is a cliff dwelling ( Cliff Dwelling ), which was built by the Sinagua Indians in the 12th century. It is located in the U.S. state of Arizona between Phoenix and Flagstaff, directly off Interstate 17 north of Cordes Junction.

The building complex consists of 20 rooms, which fit over five floors in a rock niche. The ruins are located on the slopes of Beaver Creek and can be reached only by ladders. The first Europeans to the Spaniards became aware of the dwellings. They thought they were mistaken for an Aztec Castle.

The Sinagua Indians ( " Sinagua " is Spanish for " without water") lived from farming. To protect against hostile Indian tribes they put on their homes in the cliffs. Why the dwellings were abandoned by the Indians, is not yet known. Scientists have different theories about the cause for leaving the dwellings. In this region lived next to the Sinagua Indians nor the people of the Mogollon, Anasazi and Hohokam. Perhaps the Sinagua were displaced by these tribes from the region. Another theory relates to a long-lasting drought, which regularly occurs in this desert region and the living from agriculture Sinagua left no other choice than to leave the homes and settle elsewhere.

National Monument

On December 8, 1906 Montezuma Castle of President Theodore Roosevelt, declared simultaneously with the Inscription Rock in New Mexico, a national monument. Montezuma Castle is open to visitors year round. The ruin itself can only be viewed from the outside.