At the end of the dirt path there is the large rectangular Plaza surrounded by low platforms and containing a large Stele. The hillside acropolis rises on the south side of the plaza, and is covered with stairways and terraces and a number of small temples, as well as several stelae and the magnificent Temple of the Paintings.
The plaza is 367 feet long and 290 feet wide and is aligned diagonally from north-west to south-east. It is surrounded by long, low platforms and terraces at it's sides, creating a frontal focus on the acropolis to the south. Near the center of the plaza is Stele 1, almost 17 feet high, depicting Lord Chaan Muan II, the last known ruler of Bonampak.
At the left end of the first terrace is Structure 3, a temple with three doorways and a broad, frontal stairway descending into the plaza. On it's right another stairway leads farther up the hillside to several smaller shrines, all small one-room structures with a single doorway. Several of these contain cylindrical altar stones.
Structure 6 is one of the small shrines at the top of the hill. It does not contain an altar stone, but has a carved lintel over the doorway, which depicts Lord Chaan Muan I and dates from 603 A.D. The king is shown wearing a feathered serpent head dress and holding the double headed serpent bar, or Flapstaff, a symbol of rulership.
The most famous structure at the site is the Temple of the Paintings, a long building
with three doorways giving access to three separate vaulted chambers, which contain
probably the most magnificent murals remaining from the Mayan world. The left chamber
depicts the ruling family presenting their heir, and preparation and dressing of the
lord by dignitaries and attendants. On the walls the royal entourage is shown again,
later in the ceremony, surrounded by musicians. The central chamber records the
military exploits of Knotted Eye Jaguar II, depicting a bloody battle scene and the
presentation and ritual sacrifice of prisoners. The right chamber is painted with a
victory celebration, showing the royal entourage surrounded by lords and dignitaries,
as well as dancers, musicians, warriors and prisoners.
The lintels above all three doorways of the Temple of the Paintings depict further
scenes from the military exploits of Knotted Eye Jaguar II, showing the king, wielding
a large spear, subduing and capturing several enemy chieftains. The prisoners of war
were typically retained for ritual sacrifice, the more illustrious the prisoner, the
more beneficial the offering.
