It is a city located in the state of Chiapas, of Mayan origin. It is one of the most impressive sites of this culture. It stands out for its architectural and sculptural heritage. It is a very ancient city and ceremonial center dating back to the 3rd or 4th centuries AD. It was founded in 1567 by the Dominican friar Pedro Lorenzo de la Nada. Almost 200 years passed from the founding of the city until 1740, when the priest Antonio Solís discovered the archaeological zone of Palenque. On October 29, 1813, it was declared a Villa by decree issued by the Cortes of Cádiz and on December 19, 1972, the governor of the state of Chiapas granted it the category of city.