The Temples of the Cross, Foliated Cross, and Sun are located at Palenque.
These three temples form the Temple of the Cross Complex at Palenque, a major Maya site in the Mexican state of Chiapas. Built on stepped pyramidal platforms around a shared plaza, the buildings are among the finest examples of Palenque's elegant architecture and finely carved limestone reliefs.
The complex was developed during the reign of K'inich Kan Bahlam II in the late seventh century, following the death of his father, the celebrated ruler K'inich Janaab' Pakal. Their inscriptions and imagery present dynastic history alongside Maya creation mythology. The cross imagery does not represent Christianity; it refers to the World Tree, a central symbol in Maya cosmology connecting the heavens, earth, and underworld.
Each temple has a distinctive focus. The Temple of the Sun is especially well preserved and contains imagery associated with a solar deity. The Temple of the Cross is the largest of the group, while the Temple of the Foliated Cross gives the complex its full modern name. Calakmul, Copan, and Tikal are also important Maya sites, but this specific trio belongs to Palenque.